Feb 2 Darling Mother. I'm so immensely relieved that you've decided not to leave Rounton. It would have been a terrible upheaval. But please don't bother about providing me with a sitting room; I can perfectly well do without one during the short time I'm on leave. It's awful to think of the business it will be to dismantle the whole of the top floors.
I opened a parcel in the office the other day and out of it rolled a large tiara. I really nearly laughed aloud - it was such an unexpected object in the middle of office files. But it's too kind of you to let me 'ave it - I had quite forgotten how fine it was. I fear in wearing it I may be taken for the crowned queen of Mesopotamia though I'm far from wishing to rival the real monarch.

We're having an extremely difficult time, mainly owing to the Turkish menace about which I've told Father. Sir Percy observed mildly today at lunch that there really did seem to be a great number of tiresome problems. He preseves an amazingly calm and courageous front and his telegrams home are models of clarity and wisdom. As a diplomat and a statesman I don't think I've met his equal but he is not Lord Cromer's match as an administrator - this is of course very private. Egypt was amazingly fortunate in having a man who combined the two sides of politics.

I'm pretty busy - there always seems to be just a little more work than one can comfortably do; and now I must get down to the report for the Secretary of State. Ever your very affectionate daughter Gertrude