France
February 11, 1917

Mine Own People,

I have left my pen at billet, so will have to ask you to excuse pencil. There really isn't much to tell. The weather has continued clear and cold, though to-day it is slightly milder and rather promises a break. Nothing has occurred to interrupt the regular routine at the school. The riding has been really enjoyable, the rest of the work not too boring.

Father's of Jan 16th received since I last wrote. I will ask Underwood about his family when I get back to the company but I am under the impression that he is a Nottingham man, and I know he is C. of E. so it is hardly likely that there is any immediate connection with your Underwood.

We had yesterday afternoon off, of course, but I stayed by the fire and read, and wrote letters. I have been reading Sir Gilbert Parker's early success; "When Valmont Came to Pontiac." It is a capital story. I got it in Nelson's Library for a franc.

My plans for to-day are still in abeyance. I shall go to church parade in half and hour, and after lunch I shall probably go for a little ramble somewhere, then come in for tea, and spend the evening by the fire. I wonder what you will be doing. How I should love to peep in on you.

We are watching day by day the action of the U.S. with great interest as no doubt are you. I should like to have a hand in your discussions. Unless the German move was pure bluff it looks as though war is inevitable. If it does come its chief effect it seems to me will be moral. It should make the average German very much more desirous of peace than he is at present.

Unbounded love to all of you. My thoughts are with you and of you until the home-coming.

Bun.