Oct 7. Bait Na'mah. Dearest Father. I am still in my hospital, but I go back to Basrah [Basrah, Al (Basra)] tomorrow. They were very wise to keep me another week, for I couldn't have done anything and I should probably have tried to do too much. I shall have to go very slow for the next fortnight for I have not quite got over feeling as if I were in the White King's dream. But I mean to be very sensible and not be ill again. At last I have papers, but Smith and Son does not send me the Literary Supplement regularly - would you mind asking him what the deuce he means by it? However it's a great joy having the Times. The post is beyond belief; I never get the full compliment of newspapers - I wonder how many letters go astray. It would be a mighty comfort if they set about reforming that Department now that they have finished with the Generals. The last letter I had from you was dated Aug 30. The New Protectionism has come but I haven't read it yet. I shall however and thank you very much for it. The Mannesmann Tube makes me gasp a little - you must try not to be as all embracing as Mr Carnegie, I've often heard your views on millionaires. But perhaps your present activities are more patriotic than economic? You will bear in mind, won't you? that paupers are also blots on the economy of a state. By the way, I received the Manchester Martyrs and read it with much interest and amusement. I hope you saw George when he got back, but of course you have seen him. We are now shivering in a temperature of from 90° to 95° - it's so delicious never to be hot and at nights it is quite cold, sometimes down nearly to 60°. I've got on a woollen gown today - for the first time since April. I expect I shall have to take it off presently, but the early morning wind is chilly. I can't describe to you how blessed it is never to feel really hot. I've had lots of visitors. My dear Sir Percy came down last night and brought me a lot of exciting telegrams so that I feel I shall not go back quite ignorant of all that has been happening. I shall have been exactly 4 weeks away from the office - devil take all illnesses and send me no more of them! Ever your affectionate daughter Gertrude