15th December 1916
Arthur is almost mad with excitement – a warning note has been handed to him indicating that his leave is likely to start on 19th : “I am feeling absolutely intoxicated, dear, with the thought that, by the grace of GOD, I shall be with you once more, this day week. It is too glorious for anything, but I daren’t get too excited in case …” Meanwhile Arthur has to concentrate on getting through firing and bayonet practise in the mud, a football match for the men and dinner in Estaires with Alfred and fellow officers.
Arthur to Dollie
Fri. even: 5 pm
… I am in a mingled state of disappointment & sheer joy; disappointment because there were no letters in to-day; joy because I’ve had a warning note from the Brigade, not that my leave is actually through, but that it is “likely to begin on the 19th !!! ” I do hope nothing crops up at this the last moment. I am simply mad with excitement. If it only goes on all right now, it will be perfectly heavenly. Let’s pray it will be all right DV.
To-day has been a rotten day of rain again: I’ve been standing in the mud most of the day, this morning making a bayonet fighting course & this afternoon on the range.
I am now at HQ having had tea here. This evening Jones & I think Garrard & young Page and Alfred & I are going to dinner in E- [Estaires]. So I decided to write from here.
Tomorrow there is to be another football match against the – Ambulance, to re-play yesterday’s tie. I shall try to get along to see it. I also want to get to Confession to-morrow.
I am feeling absolutely intoxicated, dear, with the thought that, by the grace of GOD, I shall be with you once more, this day week. It is too glorious for anything, but I daren’t get too excited in case …..
How are you, darling, how are things. I did miss your news to-day & can only hope that to-morrow will make up for it. I wonder what you are doing now. I am in the HQ Mess with Alfred & Rochford, the Doc & Davis. Quite a noise going on; it is difficult to write connectedly: so please forgive any shortcomings …