Jan. 28. Cairo. Dearest Father. I'm off finally at a moment's notice to catch a troop ship at Suez! I really do the oddest things. I learnt at 3 PM that I could catch it if I left at 6 pm which didn't allow much time for thought! It's an excellent ship, the Euripides, almost empty of 1st class passengers and it will arrive much quicker than the P&O, I'm told - the latter does not anyhow get to Port Said till the day after tomorrow, if then. I'm charged with much negotiation - I hope I may be well inspired.
Goodbye dearest - but I expect almost before you can answer I shall be back here! Your affectionate daughter Gertrude