22nd November 1916
A letter from Dollie – to cheer Arthur’s heart, but he really is struggling to maintain a positive frame of mind: “… I feel as if I had lost some vital part of me and each hour seems to grow longer and less bearable than its predecessor. Time is not dulling the pain of absence: its growing worse and worse every day”. Arthur’s Company is now in the front line again: “ I expect you’ve guessed that we are ‘in’ once more – and in the same spot. But you’re not to worry for by the time you get this we shall be ‘out’ again”.
Arthur to Dollie
Wednes. 4.15pm
… Thanks awfully for your dear letter of Saturday that came last night. I am sorry to hear the weather is so bad with you … Thank Heaven, the weather is still fine here – to-day was really beautiful. It was very misty at first but cleared later. The sun came out & it was almost hot.
Yes, darling, I’ll do as you suggest about the cheque to the Mater. Have you all you want, dear: do let me know, won’t you, if you want any money especially as Christmas is coming along. Have you thought of anything you’d like for yourself, darling: be sure to tell me.
To-day has passed quietly again. I’ve seen Rochford & the Doc, and Maitland & Minshull to-day. I expect you’ve guessed that we are “in” once more – and in the same spot. But you’re not to worry for by the time you get this we shall be “out” again…
I’m afraid I’m feeling most awfully discontented just now. In the days before last leave I just loathed being away from you, dear, & hated the days that dragged with us apart: but since last leave, it has grown more than loathsome: there’s a great dull ache in my heart, that seems almost physical as well a mental: I feel as if I had lost some vital part of me and each hour seems to grow longer and less bearable than its predecessor. Time is not dulling the pain of absence: its growing worse and worse every day …I wonder what you’re doing now – just finished tea I expect – in the dear old morning room; Pluto with his basin of tea, & Scottie, on his back, asking for more. I am looking forward to-night & the mail. My quartermaster-serjeant reports to me every evening. It is always with eager apprehension that I ask “Any Mail”. How I hang on his answer – which is it to be, heaven or h- . But the mails have been good lately D.G.