[letterhead: Canadian Military School Shorncliffe Kent]
Risboro Barracks
May 23, 1916

Dear Marj,

This was to have been your particular letter; but it will have to be more of a general missive, for we are into theory this week, and have a good deal of study to occupy out time.

Mother's of May 2, and Father's of May 6, were waiting for me at Leicester when I reached there Saturday. Of course I was interested in all the little items of news which they conveyed. How I should like to see the new house in its freshness, and how I should like to be at the opening of "Valhalla". I am just a little bit afraid that it has not been done quite properly without me. Give my best regards to the Blackmores, the Rousels, and the rest.

I had a charming visit in Leicester. The weather was perfect - real summer weather. The country is even more beautiful than on my earlier visit. Of course it was supper-time when I got there, but Alfred met me with the car, and Louie had a most delicious meal ready for me. It was certainly good to have a civilized feed again. After supper they ran me up to the Freeman's where I was lucky enough to catch Ralph as he was going out. He said he wasn't going anywhere, and took me back to the garden where I found his father and aunt. Mr. Freeman blarnyed me in his own delightful way. I could not stay more than a few minutes as Alf had to get back with the car before dark. Ralph, however, went with us, and he & I had a good crack. He left about 10.00 & I had a bath! and then went to bed. Then came Sunday morning!

I really don't know how to begin to describe that morning. I can see the tears come into my dear Daddy's eyes as he reads about it. The fields and hedges and trees were greener than the greenest green of our Canadian spring; and the air was warm with sunlight, and sweet with the perfume of the May. The ditches were filled with bluebells, and the cowslips were out. I can't describe it: it was indescribable. We motored out by way of Narboro and Enderby to Thuslaston, and then to Earlchilton, Kirkby, Mallory, Market Bosworth, Newbold Verdon, Desfor, Kirkby Muxloe, and home. We reached Thurlaston a little before church time, and were able to have a look at the church. Then I hunted up cousin Sarah, who was very cordial, and asked after all the Canadian relatives with great interest. She seems to be very comfortably off. Her husband was in for a few minutes; but had to leave as he is clerk of the church. They wanted me to stay for dinner; but time would not allow. However, if I go again I am assured of welcome; and I shall certainly at the first opportunity spend a day with them, and really see the dear little place. The necessity of getting back to Leicester in time for a three o'clock train prevented any lengthy wait. The Sunday connections are rather unfortunate. I had expected to get a train out of Leicester in the early evening to connect with the 9.15 train from Charring Cross to Folkstone. The only Sunday train that was early enough, however, was the 3.05. It meant rather a short day. It had the advantage of meeting an earlier train for the south, so that my night's sleep was not disturbed. In spite of the curtailment, the visit was quite worthwhile. I was especially glad to see Ralph, as he may be ordered to his school at any time.

Well, dear, my time is gone, and I haven't really said anything to you. But why should I? You know what I would say anyway - it is all summed up in "I love you!" - Bun