May to David Letter No. 64. Beckenham. 15.1.18.
My dear David,
I did not finish my letter yesterday owing to somebody’s sauce, as far as I can recollect, or else it was that we were too busy. I will try again.
Yesterday morning it was freezing; to-day it is quite mild. And yet there are some folks who think they can prophesy weather.
I read in the paper the other day that people’s brains are at their best in the fifties. There is, therefore, some hope for me.
No one has been to see about our tank going wrong yet. Ethel says “Tell David when he builds the bungalow to put a stand pipe at the bottom of the garden instead of having any water laid on in the house.” The tank will hold some water, so we are not so badly off as we might be, but we have to keep the water turned off at the main, or we are swamped.
Really there isn’t any news. We are very busy; got two seniors away queer. Expect we shall have to work overtime on Saturday afternoon. Rather do that than stay in the evening. Of course if you were here I should (or else you would) object to staying on Saturday. Overtime, 2/- an hour for me, less for the others. Lunch, time is -up. Just see If you can’t kiss me better this time. The fact of the matter is that you are out of practice. You will have to make up for lost time later on.
How are you feeling now? Of course I know you are “alright”; you always are according to you, but I know better.
It is 5 weeks ago to-morrow when I sent off your waistcoat. I do hope you have got it, though I have my doubts. It was the only thing in the parcel, so would not take long to examine.
Wednesday 16.1.18.
It was pouring last night, and inches deep in slush. Coming up this morning it was snowing; now left off, but the place looks dreary. We only Just caught our late train this morning, the 8. 46. which we had to ourselves as far as Catford. We talked about Ethel’s dream which was that she saw you and me get into a carriage and drive off to be married. I told her she ought not to dream such things, as dreams are supposed to go by contrary.
The men called to mend the tank, or rather to look at it and talk about it, just as I was coming away this morning. Last night I got on with my second stocking. I am taking longer to knit the second pair.
I am reading “Where Love is”‘ by Wm. Locke. It is not at all bad, but I haven’t found out where love is yet. At any rate, no officers’ camps are mentioned so far.
It is now 5.15. and we have had another busy day. Rather amusing day too. This morning a man from our Marine Dept. came over (that Dept. is in Broad St., and they have 2 of my girls there) in a bad temper and complained to Lutt about one of the girls. She was no good etc etc, so he sent for me. I promptly said “Very well, then; when you send her over here to lunch I will keep her and send you someone else. She suits me alright.” The man thanked me and I came away. Lunch time I asked the girl if she would like to give up Marine business, to which she said “No; as that would mean failure”; so I sent her back. Later on in the afternoon I called on the article myself, and a quarter of an hour after entering his room he was shaking hands with me, bowing, smiling and saying “I am very pleased you sent her back to me, and should be very sorry to part with her.” I wonder if the man has the Influenza coming on, or if he is in love, or merely overworked. Aren’t men funny things? Really they ought not to be left to their own devices.
Must stop now, as I have not any news to tell you. Goodbye.
May.