1st August
British Legation,
Adis Ababa.

I can’t write to you much today my dear Gertrude because my eyes are troubling me – its too [?] from me to you to type write a letter - & what I would say after all you know.

There came an enclosed live thing last mail – I am thinking of it – in my heart I am answering it – dreams & words you said, one cannot live by them – no its not that to me – we live in spite of them – under them – while they like the story – “the story that interested all made no disclosure” –

The world moves – if there’s war I must come home. I think – we might ourselves & I’m still thank god in the army – or if not I will go again Red X – For once Europe fights all Europe will sing & dance together – there will be no signing of Treaties no visits of the Kings of the East – And after the war who knows who will be here to wait & go on waiting and wait again –

Its all waiting Gertrude – But I am so glad my dear those beastly microbes are better - & I hope to hear of you well & strong & full of life at Rounton – riding writing all alive & splendid – and if I can’t send you words I’ll send you dreams.
Dick.