5th December 1916
The weather has deteriorated and is: “… very angry & cold, with a bleak NE wind, and occasional rain or sleet”. But some Christmas spirit has been generated by the arrival of much welcome seasonal literature from home: “My Coy Mess subscribes for the Sphere, Graphic London News, Bystander, Punch & I think the Tatler” and Dollie has provided Strand & Nash’s. Sister Daisy writes to Arthur but manages to include no news – her omission is made up for by a late night cocoa session with brother Alfred, who has recent news from the Mater at No3.
Arthur to Dollie
Tues. aft 4pm
Yesterday I was lucky again, for two letters came, Thurs & Friday – the letters I love so much. I was awfully pleased to get your news … I don’t know what it is like with you, dear, but the weather here is very angry & cold, with a bleak NE wind, and occasional rain or sleet.
I only wrote to Daisy. “just like that”, dear. She answered me last night, but didn’t give much news. Alfred came up last night. He had heard from the Mater. He stayed & talked for some time – we shared a cup of cocoa together at 1 AM.
There is very little news. I am busy with heaps of odds & ends most of the day & night – but if possible, mean to get some letters off to-night, especially to the Mater. How is she, dear, I hope she is less depressed.
Everything is fairly quiet here DG though of course the weather is a bit unpleasant. We are getting a certain number of Christmas numbers. My Coy Mess subscribes for the Sphere, Graphic London News, Bystander, Punch & I think the Tatler. So we are beginning to get their Christmas issues. I was very pleased with the Strand & Nash’s – you really are a darling…