[FIRST PAGE MISSING FROM ENVELOPE AT IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM]
..... Matron is going to give me fuller particulars about Bournbrook in a day or two. She is uncertain if the junior nurses are having a different uniform - the matter not being quite decided as yet. She says that one has to give a recommendation but that in my case her recommendation will be sufficient. Our treatment is to be the same as that of nurses on active service, in fact we are considered on active service. I shall probably have to share a room with others or at least a kind of dormitory curtained off into cubicles. All the same, I think it will be preferable nursing soldiers to nursing any and sundry. I do not yet know anything definite as to amount of salary etc but pattered? it will be the same as is offered to Red Cross nurses who are willing to train. "Shelley" looks so nice on my table near your photo. Everything on my table has been given me by you.
I heard from Aunt Jessie today - she has some Belgian refugees permanently with her for the war, a mother and two babies, one only a few months old. Uncle Ben took the mother and father to the Congo, the latter in his employ. The father died from the effects of sunstroke and Uncle shipped the mother home, the baby was born before landing and the mother had to get up and be dressed the day after the child was born because the steamer was being chased by a submarine. It is Uncle's wish that the three should remain at Compton Lodge for the duration of the war so Auntie has her hands full.
I may possibly have to draw on my PO Savings Bank for a little if I have to get one or two things to go to Bournbrook but I shall try and replace it.
With all my love, dearest, hoping to hear from you soon.
Every your own devoted
Mela