Thursday. Dearest Mother. I came back here at lunch time for I did not like the thought of my poor dear Papa all alone here this evening. I shall go back with him to Rounton tomorrow. The ball was rather amusing, the room very nicely arranged, something like ours, the people odd and the supper horrid. We arrived rather late; there were not many people I knew, but I was introduced to some more and danced pretty continuously all the time. There was a rather nice Pease, son of Edwin Pease, two Whitwells, Mr George Duff, whom I fortunately escaped by coming away before his dance, and others of small interest. Some of the dresses were rather nice, but there was a general air of scrapiness, and of old-ball-gowns-done-up-and-made-into-fancy-dress about most of the people. Miss Coates was the only other Redcar representative; she looked charming with nothing on - to speak of. Auntie Florence was very nice. I had a long talk with her in the smoking room this morning. We discussed Auntie Maisie and Billy, and others of our friends and relations, but we did not touch on the subject of books, nor did I allude to it. She liked my gown very much and thought it the prettiest there; I think it was rather nice and very pleasant to dance in.
Maurice went to Rounton this morning and the babes have gone to tea with Miss Skinner, so I am alone, but I expect Papa in a minute or two.

I met Mr Pease at Eaglescliff this morning and we travelled together to Middlesbrough - I hope that was not very casual. We talked over the people of last night and were rather amused. I have moments of wishing for you dreadfully, especially in the afternoons, which you remember are a little long here! Send me what you think of the old clo[?] money - I sent a parcel of clothes besides my hats, I should think 5/ would about cover their value. Ever your very affectionate daughter Gertrude.

Dear! how nice London will be.