This evening a/d (after duty) I f/o (fade off) swiftly to tackle the Pavilion ! This I’ll get out of it as best as I can with Harry. But I write now as once out I may go to the theatre, to see “Full House” (I. Novello – . So in case you miss your  letter, here’s this one, to be posted later tonight for Saturday. Praps if I post it before 5 it’ll get there then with greater safety. As long as it doesn’t arrive on Friday.

                        Last night I did a goodly piece of novel, rewrote the last part you had. From page 9. You’ll see in due course. So I hope to come back this evening for another session. But the flesh might be weak. I’m also shopping – wrist watch strap, , ribbon for typer.

Out cable laying with trucks, out to the Moors & 6 parties of 4 have to lay a full 3 mile cable. I’ve a nice trio in my party & it’s going to be great fun & very realistic. And it’s a grand sunny wintry afternoon, too.

                        No letter from Capes yet with Facts & Figures, it may come this evening. But broke or not we’ll be together, & that’s everything.

                        9. 30. I didn’t get a chance to write any more today. The work here is pretty taught and that shows. After we came in from cable laying (& a lovely blue misty afternoon it was, too) I washed, had tea & went down town with Barry Gisling. I bought a wrist watch strap & then went to the Pavilion. They are quite full up for Christmas, & seemed dubious about the likes of me anyhow. But Hotel reception offices are ever like that. I stuck to my guns, being a true Gunner, & said, “New Year ?”. Grudgingly she said she had rooms then & I asked for a double. She said “It’ll cost you 25/- each a day” & looked for me to faint. I rose to my full height & said “Haven’t you any decent rooms ? 25/- seems very ordinary”. She looked humbled & said “no” so I said “Book me one”. Then she had an idea & said “you’ll both be using it  ?”. I said “Maybe yes, maybe no. I don’t know, but if I pay for a double room … “. She said “Oh no, the lady couldn’t use a double room alone”. So I took a single !, From 29th -3rd. But it’s not definite. She said she’d have to get it confirmed in writing. Maybe she wants to get out of it. But I’m not going to be done. If she does I’m going to see Mr. Langton & expound ! And if I get sleeping out passes we’ll tip the chamber maid & live in sin. So we stay at the Vic definitely 22 – 29 & then go over to the dashing Pavilion for the New Year, 29 – 3rd. I’ll know definitely later if I can fob Harry off with stories of New Year celebrations, because they make whoopee.

                        Dear old Vic. I had a beer there this evening, when Barry G. booked a room for his wife. The lady in the office promised to try to get me 25 room. The only consolation is that with all the Regiment there :- Mrs Lane, Porter, Gisling & Foster, you may find it easier to get away. I hope we do get a week at the Pavilion, it’s a lively place. Anyhow, the old Vic. stands expecting you.- me too.

                         No letters at all this afternoon ! The Post van left the parcels & forgot to leave the letters. They’ll come in the morning, so maybe I’ll get two tomorrow. Dear you. No more, it’s bedtime, & I’ve a busy morning. Cable laying again.

I’ve sent for six books, 3 for Williams, one for Marjorie & two for ?