Hotel d'Angleterre Cairo. Jan 10 Dearest Mother. I telegraphed to you this morning that our plans were still unsettled. I rather hope we may get off on Monday but one can't possibly tell yet. Father has gone quite steadily forward during the last two days. This afternoon he is lying on a sofa in the sitting room (where I am also writing) and that's a great step, but he really has been quite ill and it would be the purest folly to set up something chronic by travelling a few days sooner than we ought. Of course you will agree with that though it will be very annoying if we are not back for the party! Still that's neither here nor there when there is any question of a risk for Father.
Will you tell Hugo his photographs are excellent. I'm having a second copy of all printed to send him in case we don't leave on Monday. I haven't done very much these two days. I went to the library yesterday morning and had out books and discussed some ornaments with Moritz. While Father rested after lunch I went out with Mrs Napier and showed her some mosques. After tea I was flooded out with Persians! They were all Beha'is who came to see me thinking I was a believer! I had to tell them at once I wasn't, however they have asked me to tea undaunted.

I went in the evening to an Arab wedding at the invitation of Dr Madden. It was interesting and curious but oh Heavens! what a business. It was the second night's festivities at the bride's house and she is at it still, for tonight the party is at the bridegroom's house. They entertain about 400 people a night. The women and the men had to make merry apart of course, and there was dancing and singing and eating and the arl sarts. We dined there. We didn't get home till 11.30.

I ran about for Father all this morning and lunched with Oppenheim and Moritz and talked shop with photographs and maps - very interesting. I'm going to see Mrs Richmond presently. Your affectionate daughter Gertrude