9, St. Leonard's Terrace
November 2nd [ 1917].
Your birthday is getting very near. This is nine thirty o'clock on Nov. 2 and the soldiers are sounding their go-to-bed-horns and I am sending you my love. I remember that all the squibs and crackers were sounding and going off on Guy Fawkes Day when you were born, ten years ago; is it possible it is ten years already? I am so glad to hear the cake went right this time. I shall send one once a month, and please give George Ritchie a slice for his name's sake.
We had squibs and crackers and banging and thundering on Wednesday night.1 Heater and I came down to the drawing-room and Hester fetched a rug and we poked up the fire. It was a lovely moonlight night. I have been having drives in a bath chair these last few days. A nice little boy called Whitworth who is living next door came to speak to me yesterday as I got out of my chariot, and I invited him in to have a ride on the rocking horse, he seemed surprised that a quite old lady like me should keep a rocking horse and I had to explain that it was for my grand- children and small nephews and nieces--most of them are away to be out of the raids.
Darling James, God bless you, and I am your loving loving
GRANDMAMA.
I have been writing about a hospital and I hope they will print my letter in the Spectator and that some money may come to help my friends the nurses.
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