T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 167

To A.F.Chambers Ozone Hotel Fricklington Yorks 26.1.35 I had hoped the new nerves would have reformed your handwriting into legibility. God alone knows how you got into the Post Office with it....I wonder what they mean you for the cryptogra... graphic department? It looks (line 1 of text) as if your leave was not till April 22. Springtime, and that is merry heaven in the land. ...The second date may be 9th April or 19th; no it is May a rarity. Lower down, after an illegible assage, you cycle the Watford by-pass daily. That looks as...if you were really better, but I shall not believe it till my eyes convince me. My plans are to leave the R.A.F. early in March, and make my way slowly by road to Clouds Hill. Thence.orate. it lies with the Gods what I do. The cottage will never be less ... partly yours, whenever you want it, unless some scurvy rascals squire the key from me again. I won't like women in my place, anyhow; but am too perfect the little gent to refuse them. There have been none threatening as yet this year, however. I may be apply yours, if I'm away; it is too far ahead yet to guess. I'm going to try to live there by myself. If I can't afford it, that will be one thing. If I'm bored, that will be another. If I'm plumb scared and go dotty, that will be entirely another. At present all I can say is that I'm going to begin living there, and see. Your coming will be a delightful chance, if I'm there. You know the conditions, so I needn't explain them. The ram is working strongly, and the cisterns and taps are all full of water, my side and Pat's. The big tank has cracked at its north end, and will have to be undercut and ...buttressed. I shall get this, to have as soon as the weather permits, so as to have my water ready against the summer fire menace. So perhaps we can fill up by April 22. Or has your long convalescence put you out of love for the agonies of civil water? Civilization begins with heat (artificial). I hope you got your books. They were nice words for most at Christmas: Pat still camps his side of the road. He has an idea of marriage in the offing, and a definite girl in view. If she is a housekeeper by nature, h... she could make a good thing of that spot. But I don't know her views, or his on country life. There we are; the only certainty in this world is that the cottage in March, April, May, June, July,August,or September will be glad to receive you - and friends, if desired. What