April 18, "17

Dear Sis,-

Captured German dug-out, partly demolished and horribly crowded, greasy candle, perched on the top of a steel helmet flickering out a doubtful light, fountain pen with ink reinforced by a drop of rum to stretch it out, a field service Message Book for paper & a borrowed envelope - these are the conditions under which I write.

Well I suppose by the time you receive this all your trouble re examination will be over. I hope you may be entirely successful.

And now for the fun eh? Are you going to reside at Riverside Bunglalow? If all the Dorans who took the "farm option" reside there it seems to me that that the wee "dugout" will be pretty well crowded. Well, if you stay there & the strict conventionality of the maternal eye be lifted, do not take too great advantage thereof. "Be a sport" but don't be so sporty you cant tell the mater about it. That is a good rule for a girl. I hate to see a girl a stiff old stick but I cant respect a girl who forgets too many [?].

Let me see, you are fully seventeen now - "a jeune fille" as the French say. Well you ought to have the happiest years of your life in the next three - I think I had.

Well, Girlie, the war is going on fine. We are walking through the Heinies in great shape. I think that soon we will be at the doors of Germany and then the Fritz will be howling for peace the papers say. Well vive les papiers.

Dear me! If you get your Part I this year you'll make me all ashamed of myself. What a peculiar thing twill be for me to turn to my little sister for help with my knotty problems. I shall be so stupid - you know. As soon as one gets out of the routine of studies and books he has an awful time getting back into shape.

Well, Mackie, I think I shall close for this time.

Ever your affte. Bro

Frank