British Embassy Jan 12 Dearest Mother. I had the most superlatively comfortable journey. I was by myself all the way from Victoria to Berlin - even a cabin to myself. It was rather rough, but I was not at all ill. Gerald met me and asked me if I had seen Lord Elphinstone in the train - I had seen a fair Englishman who was standing near me when our luggage was examined at the frontier and who had drawn my attention by declaring that he had 9 packages! This turned out to be he; he was going on to Petersburg [Sankt-Peterburg (Saint Petersburg, Leningrad)] that night, but he came to the Embassy to dine and spend the evening. When I arrived all the servants were drawn up in rows, very splendid! We had a merry dinner, we four. Then Florence and I sat in Uncle Frank's room and talked for a little, after which Uncle Frank and Aunt Mary came in from their dinner. She looks wonderfully well. I never saw such a change in anyone. Presently in came lots of secretaries, Mr Acton, Lord G. [Granville], Colonel Grierson and a nice military friend of his, and we all talked till 12. I slept till 10.30 this morning and feel quite rested. This afternoon there is what Florence calls the Durbar - Aunt Mary receives; so I am not going to write any more as I must send a line to Papa and Grandmamma. Ever your affectionate daughter Gertrude