Feb 16 7 Hans Place. Dearest dear Mother. I ordered the buttons today at Woolland's, I hope they will prove satisfactory. You omitted to tell me how many you want, I have had 2 dozen sent, but if you want more they have heaps.
Yesterday I went to see Maggie Benson and had a delightful talk with her, after which we went down into the drawing room where we found Mrs Benson, very brisk and charming. They have been travelling in Algeria, about which they told me a funny story. They went on an expedition into the desert, a real sandy desert with plenty of local colour, camels' bones bleaching in the sun and so forth; they stayed the night at an oasis, palm trees, dates, springs, everything all right. The Bensons were extremely pleased and felt they had definitely left civilization behind, but the first thing they saw when they arrived at the oasis was - an omnibus! full of Arabs!! The illusion was destroyed.

This morning Florence and I sallied forth in a blizzard and bought what clothes do you imagine suitable to the weather? sun hats! They had plenty in stock; I imagine that there has not been much run on them lately.

I had tea with Mary at George St and saw first her and then all her family; it was very pleasant and nice.

I regret to announce to you the death of my trumpeter[?]; under which painful circumstances I feel bound to tell you that Lady Edward has been very complimentary about me to Auntie Mary. She is pleased to approve of me. We all dine at D. House on Thursday.

The Lytteltons have invited me to a dance of theirs on the 25th. I shall go if Lady Arthur will take me - I suppose I can ask her? It would be rather amusing. Ever your very affectionate daughter Gertrude.