Saturday Dearest Mother. I am writing in the train, an hour from Parma where I shall post this letter as soon as I arrive. I have had a most prosperous journey but today had been a little long. It began at 6 when I reached Bâle [Basel (Basle)] and after breakfasting strolled into the town which was amusing. A lovely day through Switzerland very cold and a good deal of snow, but a bright sun. The train was very full and I had two rather boring German ladies in my carriage. Another drawback was that I could not lunch till 12.30 as there were so many people, for they have a restaurant on the train now instead of the wait at Göschenen. The pass looked lovely; it is adorable all this line by the lakes. In Milan [Milano] I had time to despatch all my luggage to Rome [Roma] and have tea; since then I've been in a compartment by myself, a very slow train but most comfy. Now I'm looking forward to dinner and bed and immensely to my day in Parma tomorrow. One way and another I've had to pay £4 for Mrs E's bicycle so I shall probably run short, but I've got my cheque book and I can get money in Rome.
I'll post A. France tomorrow. How good it is! Will you please give the enclosed to Lizzie. Ever your affectionate daughter Gertrude.