Romanshorn. Monday. Dearest Mother. I have not succeeded in getting very far upon my journey as yet - it is not 6 and I am still on the shores of the Lake of Constance [Konstanz]. These are my adventures: we all left Bayreuth at 6.21 (Hugo 10 minutes later in the opposite direction) and travelled together to Nürnberg. There was the most fearful confusion at the station and it was with great difficulty that Uncle Frank got his luggage registered. I managed mine all right, aided by the trusty Hugo, and also telegraphed to Nürnberg for a ticket to meet me at the station. Well, I got my ticket and had my luggage re-registered at Nürnberg, said goodbye sadly to the other 3, and proceeded on my way. When we got to Friedichshafen [Friedrichshafen] on the other side of the lake we were ½ an hour late, the boat hadn't waited and consequently I had missed my connection. What was much worse was that I had also missed my luggage and it hasn't turned up yet though they swear it's sure to come by the next boat which gets in before I leave. There was another woman in the same predicament, a Madame von André. I knew by sight because she had been at Bayreuth and by name because Uncle Frank knows her; she's a great racing woman I believe, but I found her very agreeable as we had such a burning[?] interest in common. She must have found her boxes, I think, and gone on to Choisy[?], which was her destination, for I don't see her about. I got here about 4, ordered a most excellent dinner (which I have just eaten) at a little inn opposite the station, and walked out through the town where I lay under an apple tree and looked at the mountains till 6. I leave at 7.40 and à la grace de Dieu, shall arrive in Geneva [Genève] sometime, at 4 something I think and go straight on to Saint Michel and the Lautaret if I can. But my moves will be governed by those of my box for it's no good going up into mountains in a trailing skirt and high heeled shoes.
We had a very wonderful performance of Parsifal last night. The Parsifal (Schmedes) was much better than our former one and it made a great difference to the 3rd act. I felt that I liked what I like better, and cared less for what I hadn't cared about - notably the second act which is positively irritating. The 3rd is quite beyond words. Mr Dugdale and Mr Lindsay dined with us - nice boys, both of them. Florence sat with the Harrachs for two acts and Countess Witzthum, the married daughter, came and sat with us - she's rather a little dear, she lives at Dresden and I shall go and see her next time I am there. Florence His Ex and Mr C [Chirol] were going to sightsee in Nürnberg this morning and the Harrachs arrive there at lunch time and carry Florence off in the afternoon to Thun, sleeping at Ulm on the way. Mr C. goes to Wiesbaden, for his eyes are troubling him, and then straight home. His mother is not at all well and he is anxious about her. I'm awfully sorry to have parted with Hugo. He has been such a darling! he really is one of the most delightful people in the world. We walked down from the play last night together and discussed all our experiences. Hugo ended up encouragingly with: "And you've made quite a lot of new friends, haven't you. There's Miss Weisse and Lindsay and Dugdale not to speak of Tovey whom you know better now!" The Harrachs you will be glad to hear, thought him very beautiful... When I told you they were people of discernment!

Now goodbye - I must resume my somewhat neglected journey. Ever your affectionate daughter Gertrude

[Note on back of envelope] I've told Smith and Sons to send me the Times for a fortnight as I can't bear to be without news at this moment.