Dearest Pal:

Alice and Nancy have just gone after having a very nice dinner with me. Vicie had to go away to relatives and so couldn't come and you I suppose were on duty in France. We had a very jolly time though. Nancy says she alternates between being in a blue funk and feeling supremely happy about it all. The blue funk is apt to predominate and she and Vicie have decided that it is much nicer to talk about than to actually go. It's pretty splendid of them to leave their comfortable home and go to what will be good hard work in all sorts and conditions of weather. They aren't just sure what day it will be - perhaps Thursday and perhaps not till Saturday. Men seem to be so different from women - they (men) can cheer and hurrah when news of going to the front comes but with women its a very solemn moment with their hearts in their boots - I know I would be like that.

It has been pouring with rain all day and I knew I couldn't go about much so I took a bus to Westminster - I have a chance of getting into a Canadian soldiers canteen there and I think that is just what I want. It would be something like Bramshott - certain hours every day and the rest of the day free and then if you came home or I wanted time off I could arrange for someone else to take my place. I didn't like the idea of being tied definitely as I would be if I took up nursing. This should be interesting too besides making me feel I was being a little use.

After seeing the canteen people and stating my case I went to the Abbey again and I've found such interesting things to show you. It's all very wonderful and beautiful but it really is a pity there are so many huge monuments, interesting as they are. Looking up above them it is so beautiful without any adornments.

Your men deserve a special cheer for their marching - you really have a splendid lot. Perhaps they are trying to live up to their [?]!! Much love from your little pal Alice Leighton