HOTEL CECIL
STRAND,
LONDON, W.C.

Sept 24th 16

Dearest Arfa:

There was a Zep raid last night and I slept through all the London part of it. When I was going to bed about twelve I heard guns and when I looked out the search lights were very busy but I couldn't see anything else and as these didn't seem to be any excitement about the hotel I went to bed. Shortly after I heard a great deal of cheering and on looking out again there were only the search lights and no firing so I went to bed again intending to stay awake and see or hear anything more till the maid came in the morning and told me two Zeps had been brought down in Essex - that was what the cheering was about - and later they came to London but only got to the outskirts being chased away by the guns. I should think the Germans would be getting tired of that sport for they didn't get anything of importance as usual. Three Zeps since the first of the month is pretty good for us isn't it?

I have had a great day exploring around. I went to St. Paul's in the morning and was surprised how easy it was to find all by myself. I understand now how you could land me at the Cecil suddenly when I used to think I was miles from anywhere. The pigeons were so pretty around St. Paul's and I stood watching them for a long time. Coming home I watched the ships from Blackfriars Bridge and then come along the Embankment. It's so pretty - if only Arfa could be here too. This afternoon I started off to Hyde Park Hotel to call on the Buscombes. I planned it all out on that map you got me and went to Trafalgar Square, then through the Admiralty Arch and through St james Park to Buckingham Palace. Here I went astray and presently found myself at Victoria Station having gone in the wrong direction. A policeman put me right again and I arrived but found the Buscombes had left about a week ago. They are still in London and I have their address so I shall have another try some day. I came home on the top of a bus and learned a lot more geography. I hope you don't mind my going about like this alone for I'm awful careful at crossings you know dearie and I find policemen are my very best friends and I'm learning no end of things - I'll be showing you London when you come back. Then if I'm the least bit lonesy I can always go out to Alice's for they are all so nice to me there that it seems like a little bit of home. I don't go out at night alone at all but I did enjoy coming home from Soho with Alice and Robin last night. Those crows of people and the buses and taxis disappearing away in the darkness fascinate me. Alice and Robin were much impresses with my basket. I'm so glad it isn't Mr. Logan's [?] - I told Mrs Logan she would have to produce very strong proofs I think I feel very much as you do about it and much as I love and and prize it if the owner ever turned up or the one for whom it was intended I would like them to have it. All that trouble and care must have been meant for someone very dear don't you think. I wonder what you are doing to-night my Arfa.

Lots of love and kisses from your little pal
Alice Leighton