[censored] say it oftener - seems anyways hear Jan is my husband." - do you remember that. I am a little "wild this morning having a spat with Mrs. Faulkner over Stanley. I guess we are "out" now, but it was hard to help it. That youngster, has been going from bad to worse. Throwing stones across here etc. and the language - and no keeping him out. In spite of the fact that he is not supposed to come in the yard - its all thro' the house. So last night, after putting up with things for a long spell - I sent him away from the fence - for swatting Shirley with his fly swat & when he thought I was away in he said to Shirley that he was going to tell his daddy on her "snotty" old mother - & has been calling her a "snot" right along - beside "a dirty devil" - "damn fool" etc. So it was a question to know what to do. & when the little villain hopped in this morning as usual I told him to go & she heard me so I told her why. She wanted to knew if I supposed he know the meaning of it etc. and she let me know what she thought of me etc. and said why I did not keep my gate shut. So I'll leave my gate open, and see that [?] say nothing to her. They have not gone in their yard since the time Mr. Faulkner hit Billy. Foreman's don't speak to them now - he anyway - & she has nothing to do with them.

I have just decided that they & Jones are a two-faced bunch- and I will not bother with them at all. Don't suppose she will speak now. So much for that - my letter will being here.

You will be thinking of Billy. He is a lot better.

Dr. McCrae was out the day I wrote about 5.30 p.m. He gave him a new medicine, and the pain is gone for two days now - just a slight touch yesterday. It always came about 4.30 p.m - till 9. lately. I had to give him an enema yesterday still but this new oil will likely fix him up. He eats a few things now - bread & toast - rice & macaroni. and is playing around outside. He has his box of stuff all ready for the post office, also one from Shirley. He got me to write the little slips to put with the Keating's. He said when you looked at it you would say "By golly, if it isn't boo-killer" He put in the toilet paper - Keatings a box of oxo - that Eaton's set up for oxford blue - & I used 2 pr him, but he did not like it - and filled up the corner with loaf sugar. Shirley's is just shortbread & fruit cake.

I was going down this morning to mail them, but suddenly thought, my Emerson chk. had not come so did have to go to the bank for cash & as my Patriotic should come to-morrow. I might as well wait a day. - I can leave Billy with Mrs Gunn she said. It is over 2 weeks since I was down I have a few papers rolled up to send. - started cutting out a "spy" story & I guess I'll keep on. I'll have to take the club bag to carry it all. - [?] parcel, your two,& the papers, I had a letter saying they had credited my Bank acc't with the money that came, so I mailed cheques last night for the Ins & [?], interest.-Telephone & $2ºº West Bap. so I have only the Clergyman's to send now. Am glad to have them off my mind. I have $81ºº left - (only the clergy men to pay) - and $14 to come from Em. (hope they are not stopping as it came on the 14th lately tho' it has been as late as the 2nd of the next month) - and all of July's cheques to come ($88ºº I expect) So, our account is starting a bit at last. ($180ºº)

[censored]

About 2 inches of you letter was rubbed out by the censors this time - The first time. It was near the first one The 2nd page - just where you spoke of getting away from the roar of the guns.You say you will be pretty jumpy after this; more [?] yells etc. [censored]

her see it .

12.45: p.m. Owing to Billy's howls for "bread & butter," we had to stop to eat. He does go for the bread and butter. I do wish he was real well, so I could give him more. Made a nice custard for him - but he would not eat it - Had lemon pie, & Shirley had a little [?] & crust - They are terrors to feed. If you could just have what they turn down.

With you, my heart turns a bit to the "land"- for the sake of freedom Etc. This morning kind of went against me, - and I expect I'll have lots of trouble with the little beggar yet. On a farm, one has room for the kiddies to run - without running up against such language as here. I was sitting on the veranda the other eve - a week or two ago & Jones & Burchill & some other man were on Jones' veranda talking - & the air was fairly blue - so as they F's are so think - I suppose that's where Stanley gets it. I am glad the Foreman's are on the other side - so different. She is such a nice little woman. & so good to Shirley & Billy too.

I suppose things worry me more because I am worrying so about you. I do hope it is over soon. Russia is doing so well now. & if the States just rushes her airplanes over, it will all hasten the end. But then there is the the thought that you may come home crippled - or deaf or anyway. This soldier just down past us, [?] to be home next month deaf. That young Stanley Gunn has lost a leg, etc - etc. However we can only hope and pray that all will be well, and that it will soon end, and that you will be home safe and sound. I cannot help feeling down & blue just now. We are comfortable and everything - the plants are nice - The garden is away the best along here, but we need you. We were hoping to go to Ruby's next Tuesday but cannot decide till sure that Billy is fit. This is the first day Dr. has not phoned. I'll ask him, as soon as I think Billy is fit. Perhaps the change going up there will revive our interest in things. It will be company for you to be with Mr. Pryor. He must have been in the trenches for some time now. Give him our kindest wishes. I was to write Mrs. P. after she left but did not; must send her a card one of these days.

[censored] to send them [?] now. Will get another tin of Old Chum this trip. Oh - do you need any more sox - or any dry goods? Mrs Grant was sending a little white towel. I saw you [?] combinations in your trunk - did I tell you of my [?]? - [?] all you things, not in your trunk out for most of a day; no signs of any in your trunk. There are lots of clean cuffs - collars - vests etc. - a white shirt, still in the blue tissue paper from the Laundry - white trousers etc. New overshoes, - lots of boots for the farm. You'll need a new wearing suit first thing when you come.

Some Tribune reporter must have been around when I had my [?] for next day there was a [?] re the multitude of [?]. I must keep after them. Will take up the carpets in the fall & give them a dose of Carbon. [?]

I forgot to put in a nibble of Miss Reid's wedding cake, too bad. I'll stop now, & get Shirley to mail this before two. I hope and pray you are safe and well. I suppose there will not be a letter for a while.

Good bye, dear Will, Love and kisses from us all.

Betty xxxxxxxxx
Shirley xxxxxxxxoxxx
Billy xxxxxxxox