1915 Letter 25
France
June 21st, [1915]
Mother dearest,
It is almost a week since I wrote last. I never knew the time to slip past me so quickly. I think I wrote you about our famous fire, didn't I? Of course it was the funniest thing I ever saw - the man lit our stove at 7.15 - at 7.30 I went in and put my cape and a cake for Eric on the bed - having just come from Boulogne and went to dinner. At 7.45 it was all over. It had been very windy all day and then the wind died right away. We all think the tent was loose from the wind and sagged over the pipe. My cape was burned all round the edge - just spoiled and no more and Eric's cake was untouched.
That excitement lasted us a couple of days. Then I had a bit of a cold and pains in my back - regular English "floo" and we weren't busy so I stayed in bed for three days and got rid of it. To-day I have been loafing around in the sun and am going on duty again to-morrow feeling very much better for the holiday. This morning Miss O'Loove and I went over to beach and lay on the sand. It was glorious.
It has been quite cold here lately and every one is feeling a bit seedy, for when the "floo" starts in a camp they say every one has it.
The girls were simply wonderful. O'Loove bought me some dear little moss roses and sweet peas - and Cecily Galt two gorgeous pink roses - besides all the other little things they all did.
Fortunately I had just laid in a supply of nighties etc. from the lingerie shop and had bought a very pretty boudoir cap. I had my little pink knitted jacket and didn't look too much like a charity-orphan.
Am enclosing Eric's last letter - not much in it though.
There is a boat leaving shortly and I must post this if I'm to catch it. Will write again tomorrow Love to Papa-
Yours always,
Helen