29th August 1916
Another long, tiring training day for Arthur, in close and muggy weather – they are finally drenched returning to billets by a storm, which “fell upon us with a fierce violence”. Arthur is delighted to receive two letters from Dollie “I am so pleased to hear that the Mater is bearing the news bravely. The Padre had the Tablet to-day; the announcement [about sister Inez] was in it”.
Arthur to Dollie
Tues even. 9.20pm
… I was so happy to get two letters from you to-day, 25th & 26th. To-day has been a vile day: when we started out after 7 it poured. Then it cleared a bit; but it was very close and muggy. We had just knocked off work & were starting on our 4-mile trek back, when the weather broke. A storm had been threatening all day, & it fell upon us with fierce violence. The lightening was on two sides of us, and it simply poured. So that the march back wasn’t altogether pleasant. You may imagine my delight on getting in to find your two dear letters. I changed and then devoured them…
About Sandes; its awful difficult, isn’t it dear, at such a distance. But, darling, don’t think that I am vexed or put out that you went down. You know me better than that, don’t you dear. And though I’ve fairly decided views, I’m not narrow-minded. I trust you completely, sweet one, with all my heart… So you must not let it worry your dear little head any more, will you? Promise!
I am so pleased to hear that the Mater is bearing the news bravely. The Padre had the Tablet to-day; the announcement was in it.
There is yet no news of how long our stay may be here – perhaps 3 or 4 weeks? No-one seems to know yet. You asked what I do in the evenings … nothing, I’m afraid. We don’t dine till 8 & afterwards I turn in. I am always ready for bed; for we are pretty busy. To-morrow we have another long day. I can scarcely keep my eyes open, dear heart – I am tired…
The Tablet – Announcement of the birth of Inez Cassar and death of Inez (Agius) Cassar .
