I love these little one page letters that come fluttering in with every post, they delight & enchant me. Two today, none yesterday. First, I’m so very glad Arthur is home & I hope he’s not badly mauled spiritually by his experiences. It was a rotten war for him. I’ve just written to him. Send more news when you get it. Yesterday I doodled off a Thing for Good Housekeeping & sent it to direct to them, to be homed if necessary to you. You might whaffle it to something similar if there are such things, even Strand or such like. I don’t know. Bless us all. I also sent yet more me – pictures, two taken at the VE feast & one before it by a stray Syrian. Do with them as you deem fit.

                        A pause. I’ve won a day long nerve battle ! Much relieved. Arising out of the stoning yesterday were three orderly rooms, silly soldiers who incited to mutiny. One got 21 days F.P.C. & the others 14 C.B. Their mates & one cpl decided that I was unjust – they were wrong, & put themselves in the guard room & refused food announcing that they would starve until I withdrew the punishments. Public opinion was delicately poised & then went my way, but everyone was watching to see. I naturally  them & the battle of nerves was on. Now I have just heard they’ve all come out & asked for their supper, so authority wins & all is well. A trying day nevertheless & incidentally whit Monday. All talks & harangues & then stony impassivity. It’s fine training for being a father to a strong willed little boy !

                        I was very charmed with your observations on R.J.S.D., how you think he really knows about me & knows about my clothes & things. That’s brilliant work by you, & very generous work too. And Marjorie thinks that if I walked in he’d know me. Bless us all.

                        Yes, do apprentice him to Christopher for cricket. It’s a fine sane game & I do hope Great Alne gets a really live club after the war. I’ll do all I can for it.

                        Sad affair in the Lebanon. If the French keep their word to the Syrians & do not give them at least outward independence, we shall take the control back. The Syrians hate the Fr. & deserve our leadership.

                        I must make my rounds as I’m duty officer. See how my babies are. I was touched by your report of Dickie’s dawn chorus of “Mummy wake up! Kiss’er. Ay yo Mummy. Daddy Kiss ‘in.” A truly delightful opening for a happy day.