p.

to Maxie, with strict instructions to leave it unopened until
Xmas day.
Monday 29th Dec I really must buy another pad, as this stuff
is too thin to be legible on both sides. It is annoying
because this darned thing cost 3/6 - such are prices nowadays.
I had better tell you about the important one first of
all, as that is the most important thing. I'm afraid
it is unsuccessful darling . I have sent you an AG
today to say so. It is dreadfully sad & disappointing, but you
& I can only face it - & I never felt really hopeful
only our hope will slip away, & I suppose you were
much the same. I have had no reply at all, so I
suppose there's still a faint hope, but I am afraid it was
very fair indeed. Even the Army could not be so slow
as this, as the release had to be in to the ultimate
H.Q. weeks ago. But I do think they might have
the courtesy & commom decency to reply, if only to
"regret". I saw Col Leicester last week, he had sent
my application on as High Commander, but could tell
me no more. I told you before, there are
only a very few vacancies to each Command, & so
it is all a matter of competition & opinion.
But I shall not give up. I shall now write a
personal letter to Col Leicester & ask his advice & perhaps
help. It is better to write than to go straight away
& see him about a thing like this, then he can
have time to assemble his thoughts & ideas. In any
case, I shall apply again at the next opportunity,
& be able to send Hugh's letter as well the next
time. And it is just possible that Col L may
be able to give helpful advice, even propose