10.2.16
My dear Mother
I’m not very good at letter writing at present, routine work and the censorship combined explain it largely.
I’m very sorry to hear you have not been well and have to stop in bed a few days. Don’t be in a hurry to get up, you know by experience that a fairly good rest is the quickest way in the end. I’m glad Dr Leslie is coming to see you a few times, he knows your constitution well and gives one every confidence. So you were firm with Mary and told her she must see the doctor, I said the same in a letter a week ago. I hope very much that Cyril will turn up soon and that he’ll get a reasonably long leave, I’m sure he deserves it. The news of the intended marriage doesn’t surprise me, and I’m very pleased to hear about it. I’m sure they are right not to wait longer, and pre-war precedents are on a different footing. That’s what we’re all apt to forget, even now. I know that in Cyril’s place I’d do exactly the same; as it is I’m glad that ours was a pre-war wedding: but it makes me feel rather antiquated now to think so!
Yes, times are very dull down here, not a cause for complaint, but a good reason for leave as soon as possible. Work has been very heavy of late, and there is not yet much sign of slackening.
There was a fair snowfall two days back, and some sharp frost following, but now it rains again.
Little Dorothy must be growing apace and it’s very good to hear such nice accounts of the way she develops, I suppose she is quite up to the standard of six months.
Cyril’s letter, of which I had a copy, is very interesting – he has seen a lot of campaigning in twelve months or less and I read in the tone of his letter that he likes his work probably better than at first, probably because he “knows the ropes” well now. I wonder if he’s had those letters I’ve written during the last five months, mails are likely to go astray out there, I think one of mine might have been on The Persia.
I think that unless there is a big move next month I shall get leave then, but not before. I shall apply for it as soon as there is a chance you may be sure.
Please tell Father I’ll write before very long, it is really his turn now, but you must have compensation for being in bed.
With much love.
From your son
Arthur
