Letter from Gertrude Bell to her stepmother Florence Bell, estimated to have been written in July 1890.
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95 Sloane Street. This is just a little line to tell you how I am getting on. I had a very nice morning. Lizzie and I went out together and did some delightful shopping in Sloane St. and then walked up Piccadilly to Cramwich's - up Bond Street. Then sent her home in a bus and went on myself in a hansome to the National Gallery where I spent a peaceful hour. It was a students' day, but they were not much in the way and it always amuses me to see all the odd ladies in brilliant aprons walking about hatless with an air of proprietorship which is very funny. All their imagination is expended in aprons, perhaps that accounts for the badness of their copies. I went then to Mrs Green very hungry. A Mrs Strachey, wife of the member was there, but no Mary. I stayed till about 3.30 talking to Mrs G. who was very interesting and very affectionate. Then I called on Mrs Grenfell and had a little talk with Maud. Home to tea feeling that I had had rather a long day.
It was deliciously fine this afternoon, warm and sunny. Goodbye. Ever your very affectionate daughter Gertrude.