30th July 1916
Arthur is having something of an idyllic Sunday, as his course at the Army School draws to a close. “This week – the last of the course – is to be a pretty strenuous one – we rejoin on Saturday. I’ve been most awfully lazy to-day – really the time just slides past. Mass & the bathe, lunch & the walk up here; the preparation & consumption of tea (for we had it up here – I made it on my Primus – & 3 other fellows came up too) – and behold the day is nearly gone. Another day towards our re-union …”
Arthur to Dollie
Sunday aft. 5.45
Thanks awfully for your dear letter of Thursday that came to-day. I was so glad to hear from you. To-day has been simply glorious but awfully hot. This morning I went to Mass at 10. After Mass Clarke (who was in the 2 / 3rd with Dick) and I went along up stream & had a bathe. We didn’t stay in long – for the water was very cold & swimming is difficult – the stream runs very strong. But it was very pleasant, lazing on the bank in the sun … we strolled back to lunch & I found your dear letter waiting for me.
After lunch we came up here and that requires explanation. The little town lies in a hollow, where several valleys turn in to a point; thus
The hills are high & very wooded. We are now on the top of the one I’ve marked with a cross, sitting in a glade that runs out beyond the edge of the wood towards the crest of the hill. It is beautifully cool in the shade & there is a magnificent view almost all round for miles. I do wish you were here with me darling. I try & imagine you by my side, & we are just perfectly happy in each other’s company…
There is a wonderful peace in the summer air, that nothing can really touch, not the war, nor all the kharki [sic], & guns & shells – something very akin to Love; or perhaps it is Love, that is like the soft cool air on one’s cheek, the glimmer of the sun like gold-dust on the valleys & woods, the tender green of the leaves & the grass. Soft murmurings, Love’s dear voice, that brings great contentment & joy of life into one’s heart … God bless you, darling mine.
This week – the last of the course – is to be a pretty strenuous one – we rejoin on Saturday. I’ve been most awfully lazy to-day – really the time just slides past. Mass & the bathe, lunch & the walk up here; the preparation & consumption of tea (for we had it up here – I made it on my Primus – & 3 other fellows came up too) – and behold the day is nearly gone. Another day towards our re-union. Hurrah.
Remember me to all, dear. I hope your Mater is ever so much the better for her change. How is Evie [Noel]?