(Postmarked 24 Jan 15)

Dear Jinny, I’ve just got your letter
And parcel containing my purse;
Yes, thank you, my cold is much better,
At least it’s not got any worse.

You remark how delightful it was, Jane,
Your Brother from France to see;
Don’t say any more, please; because, Jane,
It was far more delightful for me.

It was ripping to meet you again, dear,
After nearly four years in the East,
Far away from the mud & the rain, dear,
(The water, I mean, – not the beast!)

Far away from alarms & excursions
From a bathless existence of grime,
Thanks to all of your noble exertions
I just had the hell of a time!

I’ve of course often had leave before, dear,
For a month, or a week, or a night;
And it’s sometimes been rather a bore, dear,
And others been fairly all right.

But THIS was a good’un and sweet ’un,
and for solid enjoyment I claim
Those five days can never be beaten,
The crême – so to speak – de la crême!

There’s Jim – now I hadn’t seen Jim for
Twelve years – or was it thirteen?
And I wouldn’t have missed seeing him for
A sum that would ransom a Queen:

Started this when I got back but never finished it! & have’nt got time now. Send along that hair stuff Jinny as I hate being old Baldie! Freezing tonight.

Write soon.

Lots of love from

Ted