1 39, Belgrave Square, Rathmines, Dublin. 13th January 1916 My dearest May, I got back safe and
sound although I don't feel quite
so cheerful as I did in the
country. I always feel like that
but I had more reason, I suppose,
this time than ever before. I remember now that on
Monday when I spoke to you I
was so intent on asking you to 2 marry me that I quite overlooked
in the excitement telling you that
I loved you very dearly. I hope
you didn't need me to tell you that
anyhow in order to believe it of
me. I can hardly yet think that
the converse is true. That you have
any special regard for me — it
seems somehow too good to be
true but I hope with God's help
that it may come true any how.
As I told you already I could never
bring myself to believe that any good girl could trust herself to
me and in your case it seemed
impossible but I suppose the reason
is that the Lord is always a thousand
times better to us than we
deserve. With His help I will try to
be better in the future than I
have been in the past and maybe
in the end with you to help me
I'll turn out something better than
the rotter I know myself to be.
This is a queer sort of letter to
write to you, you will think, but
perhaps you will be able to read 3 between the lines that I love you
whatever comes and that if the
Lord spares me I will try and do
my duty by you. Mrs. Seery showed you my
mother's letter, I presume. You will
see that she is as pleased as can be with
events. Indeed I think she has always
wished that I might be lucky enough
to get you. Now that the 100
to 1 chance has come off, we are
both naturally delighted. No news here since I went away.
Am back in harness tomorrow but will
take a few days off when you come up
which I hope will be soon. Give my regards to
everyone and with dearest love for yourself. Yours forever James.