95 Sloane Street Wed Dearest Mother. The telegram from Herbert came yesterday after I had written to you and just as I was going out, so that I could not add a word of astonishment. I fear they will both of them be a good deal disappointed in the sex of the infant, but anyhow it's a great comfort that it is satisfactorily over and that Elsa is well. I went to see Sylvia this afternoon and found her most flourishing and then I went on to my lecture which was not an encouraging experience. I doubt whether anyone but Ernest Richmond knew what I was talking about, and at the end they all filed out without a word, having indeed nothing to say. I may mention in passing that my part was better done than theirs. I found Moll and Charlie when I came in, and George with them, but as I think they were discussing matters in which I should have been a bad audience I presently left them. I hear on all hands that the Government is in evil care. Some people anticipate that they will founder on the rocky question of the franchise and others that they will come to grief over the Home Rule Bill, but no one seems to think that they will survive the double event. Meantime war rumours are very prevalent, a counter blast of the German Government to the Socialist victory. Willie however is optimistic though furious with His Ex. I should not wonder if the latter received a reminder from the F.O. that he is in receipt of a pension. Ever your affectionate daughter Gertrude
Would you mind sending an invitation for Wed. to the Crowes if you have not done so? I [sic] spite of her social disadvantages!