1 NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE COMMISSION (IRELAND), PEMBROKE HOUSE, UPPER MOUNT STREET, 21 January, 1916. My darling May, I have a minute or two
to spare so I had better drop you
a line. I got your letter yesterday
but could not manage to find
time yesterday to reply and shall
have very little time now either
so you must let me down light
if I can't write much. I was very sorry indeed to hear
of the cold and that it was so very 2 near having the lamentable result of
producing blossoms on your nose and
lips. What on earth would I do if
that happened and I looking forward
so anxiously to see you and — with
pluck — to kiss you in a few days.
However all's well that end's well and I
will pray for Corbett until my dying
day if his ointment cures the complaint
in time. I was very jealous to hear about
Brother Long's conduct. I begin to see
that if a man has only cheek enough
he can do anything so you'd better look out for trouble when I see you. By
the way while I think of it, I don't see
why you only received my letter on the
19th. I wrote to you on Sunday last
the 16th in time for post so you
should have had my letter on Monday
or Tuesday at the very latest. I expect
the bould Paddie is neglecting his duties. Mrs Seery's message is a rebuke to
me for not writing. If I can manage
a moment at all I will write to her
today but tell her in any case I
bear her in mind even though I don't
write. I'll have to keep her on my hands
for another few months anyhow. I was 3 glad to hear of Josephine's and M. for
Wynne's congratulations. I accept them for
myself anyhow — in your case I'm not
so sure but it should be sympathy
that should be offered you. That reminds
me that it's rather a shame for you to
be 'pulling my leg' about the plain country
girl and her worthlessness. Don't you
know very well that you're about a
million times too good for a chap like me.
As I hope for mercy, I can tell you that I
have asked God's pardon every day since you
promised me for having cheated you into
marriage with me. As I'm writing this in the
office you won't I suppose suspect me of not
being quite sober so I can say again that I love
you, May, and will, I hope, till the end. Always your loving James