Berlin. Jan 24 Dearest Mother. I imagine from your telegram that a letter to Paris will still catch you. On Friday morning I went to the Museum before lunch and had a real nice hour all by myself there. Aunt Mary and I payed visits in the afternoon - we called on a Frau v. Rath, a nice German whom you were taken to see - do you remember. I met a cheerful old buffer there with whom I conversed - I don't know who he was, an Excellenz of sorts. Then we went to Frau v. Roth, the Swiss colleague - Aunt Mary hates her. There we met the Princess Frederic Leopold's ladies who asked when I was going to be introduced to her; we replied that that was my one object in life and arranged that I should be presented during the first polka of the first Court ball. The Goschens came to dinner on their way through to Petersburg [Sankt-Peterburg (Saint Petersburg, Leningrad)] - very nice people, I thought. You know them, don't you? In the evening we went to a big, sort of subscription, ball at the Reichshof. All the world was there, but it was not very pleasant; the rooms were fearfully hot and far too crowded. I was stepped upon by a tall officer in the beginning, which caused me great agony. My foot is still black and blue. Florence, Gerald, Captain Covans and I had an amusing supper together; but I danced the cotillon with a man I don't like - Major Luffan. Captain C. has gone back to England - we are sorry for he is an amusing cheerful person. He is a great friend of the Reggie Talbots. Yesterday there was an awful blizzard. It snowed all day and we did not go out - I was unreasonably tired. Miss Howells came at 5 o'clock and played duets with F. About 10 o'clock, Lord Langton and Lord Granville came in and we played cards till 12. I am so fond of Lord G.; he is a charming boy. He has a great success in the world here. This morning I went to church. It is still snowing; Aunt M. and I are going to pay some calls. Col. Grierson dines. Uncle Frank and I are reading Lord Roberts' book which is awfully interesting. It is extraordinary how well Aunt Mary is - she is a different person; interested in everything, amused when she goes out and eager to pay her calls and do all her duties. I do admire her for the effort she has made. Ever your affectionate daughter Gertrude.