The Nurses’ Home
The General Hospital, Birmingham
15th April 1915
My own dear sweetheart
I am writing my last letter from The General Hospital, Birmingham; the next one you get will be from the dear old home. Although at first I thought of the dear breezes at Folkestone and of other places, yet my thought always returned to the dear old home at Badsey and it rests me to know I am going there somewhere where I am loved despite my many variable moods and failings, somewhere where my love for you is understood and no explanations are needed.
I know just how you felt about having written to Aunt Fanny, and then getting my letter saying I was going to Badsey. It was annoying for you to say the least of it, but I think, dear, she will understand from my letter. I told her you had not heard from me definitely when you wrote and that I had made other plans before receiving her letter and I also told her that I had a nasty influenza cold and cough, which is perfectly true, and explained to her that as we had said goodbye I did not feel equal to meeting again only to say goodbye again. From the little I saw of Aunt Fanny, I know she will not mind when she reads my letter.
I had a nasty shock in the ward tonight. I was going to give one of the children his bottle and found he was dead. Not many minutes previously Sister had taken his pulse and he was all right. Wasn't it a horrid experience?
I was congratulating the Theatre Staffs tonight on having done so well in their Finals and they chatted to me for a bit. They say the present "pro" is having an even worse time than I had! Poor kiddie - she's only 20 - I shall miss the exam for it is not until the 20th.
Goodnight and God bless you, dear love, it was very dear of you to try and arrange another meeting. Write and tell me you don't mind very much - I feel as though you were just the teeniest weeniest bit "put out" with me. I'm afraid you'll find me rather a handful, eh, old fellow?
Best love from your own
Mela
