"Dear brother,--I hope you are well, as this leaves me. I am quite well. And I have not written before, as there has been no time. And I hope She and all are well. Please give them my love. I have seen ----, and we have seen lots of fighting. I think that is all, so must end. Love to ---- and ----.--Yours affectionately, etc." "Dear Dad,--This is the first time I have written, and I have had no letter. Please write soon, and ask Mum and sisters to write. I am quite well, as I hope this finds you. It is very hot, and it is bad for the horses. Baby Bob must be a big chap now. Give him my love. A gentleman is taking this. Tell all to write and send some cigarettes. I will not write any more, so will end.--" From, etc. Sometimes the human touch breaks through the conventions, in a kiss sent to a baby or in a scrawled P.S.: "Dear Mother,--I am very well, as I hope you are and father. And ---- and ----. It has been very hot, and I have not slept in bed for four weeks. But I am all serene. Give Tom my love, and I am glad he has joined; we must all do something. Don't worry.--From your loving son, ----." --and then a big scrawl all across the reverse sheet, and again the big scrawl across the back that brings a catch to one's throat--"Don't Worry, Mother." "Don't Worry." I don't suppose they bothered much at home, when they got these letters, at the absence of battle news. Husband, brother, or son, the sight of his writing is enough. "I am quite well"--and for those waiting another milestone in their shadow-time has been safely passed. In many of the Irish letters the mode is more picturesque, the expression comes easier. "Dear ----,--We got it last night but one, and J---- and C---- went home, God send they meet no Germans there. J---- had it in for them since big Tom went. I'm as I was, with a chip off my foot that's healing fine, and I hope you're doing well in these bad times. They have a story here that the German's firing silver bullets, as the leads run low. If I got a few in me, I'll bring them home to set you up. Send all the cigarettes you can find and chocolates. This is hell, and I have no time to write, the kisses is for yourself, but I expect the girls will steal them off the paper. Keep laughing, woman.--Your affekt. boy, ----." This, again, is from a very young north Irishman: "Dear Wife,--I have not written before, for my time has been full up. If it's not all right about the money go to Mrs. ----. She has a good heart. Write soon, and send some cigarettes. How is little Dick? Give him a kiss. He must be a great man now in this long while. Give my love to the old lady, and write soon, soon, SOON. I am wading in blood.--Your affectionate husband, ----." He had not actually seen any fighting; but the "neighbours" would want that battle touch for their talk, and so good manners demanded it.