14 October 1918 Evalyn

Monday.

Dear Don,

No, the Box doesn't contain candy as one might be led to believe. Sorry and I'm not gone to France: which I'm sure is a much greater disappointment than the above, so price I can't employ said socks in Service for the good old U.S.A. I'm passing them on to do duty for you.

Had my fond parent been possessed of a strain of yellow like someof these venerable Doctors we know I might now be sailing the briny deep on my way to the Big Adventure!

To be all ready to depart and then be refused passport because your father is serving in France was pretty much of a knock out blow. I've been trying to decide for a wk whether I ought to bawl & squall & kick & scream etc etc or grin & bear it like a good soldier: I never gave up hopes until last Mon. Mr. McNider took it up in Chicago - got the endorsement of the highest officials only to have it come back, "Sorry. Everything ok but absolutely no passports issued to daughters." Can you imagine teaching brats of kids when we might to on one's way to France. I confess its the hardest job I ever did, all because of a stupid ruling, when they're pleading for trained workers.

But its all the same, maybe they'll change the rule.

And how goes it in this man's Army. Haven't flirted with Madamoiselle the "Flu" yet, I trust, or been detailed to K.P. Naturally not, being a goodsoldier.

We rec'd a short note from father Thurs. Evidently written under shellfire, right in the thick of things, gas mask & helmet at his elbow. Could see & hear the guns, was under orders to go to bed as he'd been up 'til 4 a.m. for days with absolutely no rest. So far they'd all had to give up but himself, however his nerves & physical endurance were still serving him well. The dear is now a Lt. Col. and Morrill is at Custer.

So much for gossip, you'd die at Mason City a la war times. However, still Rewley & Roy Bosworth are ever with us, if they can be classified within the realms of "mere man" - we hope they, too, soon join the rank & file. I have a clever little H.S. teacher living with us. One when I knew ever so well in Iowa City H.S. last yr. so we manage together.

I tremble for fear the socks are too small. Let me know and I'll add on an inch or two.

Good luck & best of wishes.

Evalyn.

Return address: G. Marston, Mason City, Ia.