Baghdad Sep 27 Darling Mother. I do so rejoice to have better and better news of you, but what a horrid time you've had, haven't you. I am glad it's over - it must be quite over by now. When you were feeling dreadfully weak and ill you must have wondered whether it were worth while to make the effort to recover. And do you know dearest, it was so immensely worth while. I think I must tell you of a letter Father wrote to me just when you were beginning to get better - I haven't before now. He says, "I've looked into the charm and I know how black and blank my life would be without her."
And I don't believe he could have borne these years of war if you hadn't been there to help. But now you won't do so much work as you did before. It was quite beyond the bounds of reason you know and the great wonder was that you carried it on for so long. Perhaps, one almost begins to hope, that we're coming near the end of the war work. There will be plenty of other things to do, but not quite under the same conditions of anxiety.

I've written to Father this week too and this is only a special word of love and greeting to you. Your devoted daughter Gertrude