July 23rd 1916
Dollie has written to Arthur on the subject of becoming a Catholic before their wedding day – he is overwhelmed with love for her and cannot bear to send the letter back after answering it: “ … Rather than anything should come between us, I should say ‘Let us part now’, though it would break my heart. But I know our love is all powerful. I know that we shall be happy together, come what may and I feel that if God wills, He will help you in his time. So let us face the future together dear in all love & confidence. This question of religion is not going to be an instrument between us: let us grasp it & turn it to our own ends to bind us even closer together, to prove that our love is triumphant over all obstacles. Love is God’s highest gift; love is the whole of his teaching. He has given us this greatest gift. We have nothing to fear in the future while we cherish it within our hearts.”
Arthur to Dollie
Sunday even. 6.45
… Your dear letter of Thursday came to-day. I wish I could describe my emotions to you: you must read between the lines & supplement from you knowledge of me the words in which I try to express myself … I hate to send the letter back for it is a prize beyond value – a true piece of your dear heart. And I am filled with determination to live worthily of this great gift … For the rest, little one, Faith is God’s gift: I hope & pray that in His Wisdom, He may bestow that gift before the time fixed for our marriage. I believe that with prayer & perseverance it is to be achieved in the end. Meanwhile it is my firm determination, by the grace of God, to marry you this autumn.
This sounds very brief, dear one but it is a subject on which I could never finish. I just want you to know that my heart is bursting with love & the fellowship of true sympathy, with pride & overwhelming happiness in your love, with confidence & hope in the future.
Rather than anything should come between us, I should say “Let us part now”, though it would break my heart. But I know our love is all powerful. I know that we shall be happy together, come what may and I feel that if God wills, He will help you in his time. So let us face the future together dear in all love & confidence. This question of religion is not going to be an instrument between us: let us grasp it & turn it to our own ends to bind us even closer together, to prove that our love is triumphant over all obstacles. Love is God’s highest gift; love is the whole of his teaching. He has given us this greatest gift. We have nothing to fear in the future while we cherish it within our hearts.
So be of good courage, darling sweetheart; I think you have always really known what I have felt – be reassured. Let us accept the future gladly and in all joy for we possess the most glorious of treasures. Let us face it with all hope & trust in God, knowing that His will is best. I’m afraid, dear, I’ve not made myself clear but you know. So go on getting your trousseau ready – best of all your dear heart…