Bates_B2278_F1_185

as if he expected overseas or was very [underlined]
soon --- God Bless him --- I hope not - you
two dear boys & Les - it seems so strange
indeed that you should go before Nor
& Dick the regulars --- & As one feels
that facet so keenly as they do themselves
they hate to see you go -- as you know
they both say "it is" I the regular who
should be there"!? Queer is it not? [question mark underlined]
Dearest but like is stranger than fiction!

"Monday a.m. nothing on this morning dear