Sisters’ Quarters, University House
Birmingham
June 11th/15
My own dear One
I was so glad to get your nice loving letter today and am going to write tonight and post first thing tomorrow because I think you ought to have a letter as soon as possible in answer, whenever you succeed in writing a dear, naturally expressed letter for I know how difficult you find it to express yourself on paper. Recently you have written more like yourself when you talk to me and in consequence it brings us nearer together, each time, in thought.
I am glad you thought the photos good. For a wonder I quite believe your remark as to it, the one you like being as pretty as you consider I am!!! I’ll tell you why. Someone else told me it is not nearly as pretty as I really am!!! I certainly did take the latter remark with a large grain of salt, although the person who said it is considered very sincere and almost brusquely so – yes, Sweetheart, I will be willing to be married when you have been campaigning a bit and perhaps get a temporary captaincy. As far as willingness goes, I am quite willing to do so now in some ways, but feel it would perhaps be a risky step to take. I’m afraid I am an awful donkey in spite of my old age – but I must confess that what has made me hesitate more than the consideration of £..s..d is that I do not yet really understand all that is contained in the word marriage. I suppose I ought to discuss the question with some friend who is married and have often tried to bring myself to do so, but the whole subject is such a sacred one to me that I am afraid to ask any questions to anyone but you.
[NOTE AT BOTTOM OF PAGE IN CYRIL SLADDEN'S HANDWRITING: "Two pages burnt, CES"]
… good of you, dear, and will be a very thoughtful sort of parting present.
You did not say whether you’d like one of my photos for your own, so of course you must not expect one! “Blessed is he that expecteth nothing”.
I heard from Bar today – they’ve been looking out for you among troops going via Boulogne!
All the love of my heart from
Your devoted wife to be
Mela
Am not feeling quite the thing just the last day or so, so perhaps I shall feel cheerier soon. Don’t worry if my letter is a depressing one in parts.
PTO - Don’t send a cheque for library subscription ‘cos I can’t get it changed – send postal order.
Yes. I agree with you – I think the soldiers know with whom they may take liberties. Some, only a few are not or have not been good-living men. I’m glad to say they are sorted out as soon as detected and put in a special ward – which I shall refuse to nurse in if asked to do so. It’s awfully sad – one ought not to judge them too hardly off hand and say they have not led good lives, they may have inherited it. It upsets me very much coming across this sort of thing.
PS [on envelope] – We’re expecting a convoy of 600.
