Back in the Mess, among my ain fowk. All very cheery & friendly. And to greet me, half an hour after I arrived, the Mail came with a letter from you. 4 two days ago & now another, posted on the 3rd ! Only 5 days. Isn’t postie clever. And yours was a grand letter, the great news of the TOOTH was in it. A real biteworthy tooth. What a man. Shall I be there when door-knob dentistry is required for removing baby-teeth ! In 1950 ? I am proud of my clever family. Bless us, a tooth.

I never took the Mars Bar ! Boo hoo, or rather I shared it with Allan & Peter, so I’m only ⅓ guilty. The todoo over Europe is because Peter bleats !

                           DON’T BUY GREYSTONE HOUSE.

                          Yes, I can imagine being looked at, smiled at, loved by our Dickie. But I can’t quite imagine it. It just over-rides my imagination. Shall see it. Yes I shall. But he knows mirrors, what a world of wonders, & the soft sheen of Candy. And Mrs Spencer & the Suffields to tea.

                        Another letter from Christopher, ever so fluent & legible & he’s growing up ! It’s a dear letter. Dealt with my letter, my Italian, Latin, half term – “I shall go home & go to see Richard for you. He did not squeal when the water was put on his forehead. They did warm the water a bit & Richard saw it & thought it was his bath.” A superb & touching sentence. He chats easily about his pig – “should have little pigs on May 12th.” Then on to rabbits – & “she should be having baby rabbits by the end of Jan “. And he spelt prefabricated right off  – a hut in the playground. A delightful letter, the dear lad. Do give him postage stamps I can get more later, & 5/- for me. He’s so decent about Dickie. He so belongs.

                          Oh, a man called on a friend, & when the door opened a big dog jumped at him & bit him, badly. After five weeks in hospital the man called on his friend, again. He knocked at the door & his friend came. “How’s the dog ?” He asked. “I have” was the reply.

                           A charming letter from J.J.H. too today. I answered by airgraph. Please say so. And a parcel of Punches from “Doris’ sister”. The little note said “I’ll not give you my address & then you needn’t answer ! A truly Doris-ish thoughtfulness. Will you telephone Doris & thank her sister. We are all enjoying the Punches even now as I write.

                       Allan has bought a pair of pink knickers & brassière for Ruth, after much summoning up of courage !!! A great occasion for us all. We all have letters today & all . And Dickie trying to blow Mrs Spencers cigarette ! Try him on one of my old pipes if he must smoke. The prodigy that he is to be sure. Is he really bright then ? I gather that he is above average. I am looking forward to these new photographs. Mother says they’re very good.

                          My application for the Army Broadcasting Service has gone in to A.F.H.Q. blessed by the O.C. I hope the Colonel blesses it also. It’s a wild gamble. Maybe a lot of U.S.A. blokes applying, it was in their orders too. But maybe it’s just British Army. Announced by Allied Force H/Q so it may be mixed. Anyhow, we can see. May get a trip for an interview.

                            I loved the drawing of Young Faithful displaying the tooth. He’s a great character, Young Faithful. Bless him.

                         Oh, in 2 letters you’ve said, alarmingly – “Your play. I do want to talk about it. . . .” And you sheer off to other subjects. Is it dreadful ? It was rather churned out. Has Elisabeth been , or is it some other play ?

Spring here is going to be rather heartbreaking I think. I’ve seen the glory of the Italian Autumn, & Rich & fruitful it is. But I’m told the spring is lovely, colourful & exciting. Yet the spring in Waterworks Lane, (unromantic name) & by our river Alne.

                           I sent Nonie an Airgraph today congratulating her on the Nigel. It’s so satisfying our Dickie should genuinely surpass other children. I’m glad too that Granny Anne likes him. Mother is living for her visit, I am trying to persuade her to make it a full double weekended week. You try too. This child means so very much to her, & she’s so sensitive about being a nuisance. How I love you all, & you, sweetheart, passing all others.

I examine my growing portrait gallery so often. You are such a sweet pair.