Digby, N.S.
Nov. 5th '17

My Dear Tom:

The letter has really arrived bearing the postmark of Liverpool! As soon as I saw it, just a short time ago, I became excited, before even opening it! But I am trying to keep wonderfully calm and collected for as you say, many is the slip. But, just the same, I am hoping with all my heart that in a few weeks, at the most, you will be nearing Canada. It will not seem quite as bad to know that you are on this side of the water, even if you cannot come here immediately.

But, I am planning so much on everything turning out just to correspond with our plans. Then again, you must not say two weeks, Tom dear, that is all together too short a time. A month even would go so quickly that you simply must stay that long even though you are termed a deserter! But just wait until we get you here, and see how easy it will be for you to get away. I will be able to give every spare moment to my patient, Tom, because my ankle has completely recovered. So, when I am not teaching, I will see that you are getting real good care. They tell me that I make a really poor nurse, but you will probably find that out very soon.

You look so thin in your pictures, Tom, that I'm afraid I will be like an elephant to you. I have gained most horribly this past summer, mainly due to lack of exercise, I think Mrs. Abramson and I have good-natured disputes about it. She says I look so much better with my rosy cheeks, and I say it is uncomfortable to weigh - (I'd better not tell you!) I am going to lose it, though, just see if I don't!

We are having our first snow storm of the season, and it looks very wintry. I dread to think of the stormy days, particularly for the poor boys in the trenches. They seem to be in better positions now, on higher ground, but no doubt the mud will be getting deep. I have just finished knitting a sweater for Ainley and have started one for Carman. So you see I am not lazy all the time.

I was sorry to hear of Corp. Barker's death. Mrs. Smallie has so often spoken of him and wondered how he was faring. He had Mrs. Smallie write to his lady friend out West just as the Batt. left here; and he also told he had very slight hope of returning to Canada. Poor fellow - his presentiments, were all too true.

Some people think I am altogether heartless, going about with a snatch of songs and a laugh with my friends, but I consider that I have a great deal to be happy about. We have really not had cause to worry about our boys at all - I mean outside of their danger from shell, etc. Perhaps I do see the funny side of life too much, but I have found that it pays, on the whole.

But I am wondering whether you got your leave to go home, and whether you are still in Liverpool, on the Atlantic, or just where? It is just two weeks ago last Friday since your letter was posted, so a great many things might have happened since then. Soon I will know, I expect. Perhaps it might be impossible for you to send any word before leaving.

There is a German raider reported only 200 miles off Halifax, sighted by several or many vessels. The sailing and arrivals of English boats is kept very secret now, more so than ever before. We have always had reports of arrival of hospital ships, but none for several weeks now. Then the lights in Halifax and vicinity are darkened completely, with a warning that they may be shut off completely at sunset.

It is now quite late in the evening, and Jessie is here staying all night with me. The storm is raging, an awful night to be out. Much as I wish you were on your way back, I do hope you are not on the water tonight, dear Tom. But perhaps it is not so bad as on land.
Now, I must stop and say Goodnight. I wonder just where you will be when this letter reaches you. Cheer up - that happy day is coming soon.

With best love,
Yours,

Lulu