p.

4.

things which fly & creep & sting & bite. They affect one's
outlook too. The Mediterranean is the most handsome
& refreshing thing in view, & that is really lovely on
fine days, as you can imagine. But, as usual, there
has to be a snag in it, & this time it is that the
bathing is very dangerous indeed, and it seems that many
lives have been lost among the soldiers, through
being pulled out to sea by the currents.

I'm taking a very black view of everything today, but
I'm not exagerating really- this is what I normally
think & feel about the place. And if, when I write
in any other strain, it's only because I have seen some
things new, or have had a lovely letter from you, &
I am therefore looking on the bright side. As you
said in your first letter after you had heard I was
in Palestine, it is a dull country. You suggested
that I might read the Bible, & work up some
interest that way. But like you, I don't think I shall
quite get around to this. Writing to you takes up
far more valuably - so much of my time. And there
are many other books which I want to read more.
It would be much better if I was in some
lovely country - full of beauty & interest - with
a charming people - places of amusement - which
did not have as their main aim, the rooking
of the British Army while the going is good.
But I know I should find it impossible to
exist happily, or even contentedly, without you, for
any longer than a very short time. And certainly