Thursday. 90 Sloane Street. Dearest Mother. Your admirable cape has come and has been paid for with your cheque. I write from a sofa! This morning at Prince's I had a serious difference with a rocking turn, fell violently on my knee and thought nothing of it till, when I shortly after took my skates off, I found I couldn't walk. I hobbled to a cab and by a great effort of will, stopped myself from fainting on the way home. Maclagan however, says there is no injury to the knee cap, but of course I must lie up for a few days. Isn't it boring. I'm writing to all the amusing people to come and see me having dressed the part well - in Japanese tea gown! This afternoon Violet Cust happened in to my joy and presently Aunt Maisie so I had quite an agreeable afternoon. I only hope Maclagan will let me get up tomorrow, but he says if I'm much swollen I mustn't and I, thinking of Italy, will obey.
Mr Landon came yesterday with his photographs and stayed 2 hours. He amused me very much - and was also extremely useful (about Greece) He has offered me choir tickets for Palestrina at St Paul's on Sunday. I shall go if I can. I've told him to come and see me while I'm lying up. I'm also going to write to Mr Knowles and Frollock! and Lisa.

The enclosed from Billy. The pension lady writes that she will be pleased to take great care of me moyennant 12 francs a day, so I shall close with her. She is Mrs Bethell, Palazzo Sterbini, 14 Via Babuino.

I shall beguile the time with my pundits while I'm invalided. I've told them all to come.

It's so provoking because I was getting to skate really well and now I shall to knock off!

We will see about the books and keep Papa supplied.

It sounds rather ......, but I leave England on the 24th at 11AM! I shall keep Bella till 2 that day unless you want her to stay till the 25th.

Heaven send me a quick recovery! You are having a good time! I'm awfully glad you are there. Ever your affectionate daughter Gertrude