T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 578

To W.E. Jeffrey, Eo. 7. 34. -2- The conclusion, so far, therefore, is that I'm not able to suggest anything. Of course I see your points: married life in the Army is not married life. It is hard on the wife, who is shut ... out of your affairs and lives insecurely in one far-away place after another. It is worse when she gets into quarters. Nor does your army 21 years qualify you for anything but your pension. Unless you can set up your own little business after you leave, you find yourself ill-qualified for employment. Against that you must set a steady and sure job, quite well paid, lasting till you are 40, and to be followed by a pension that helps you to do something for yourself after- wards. If poor Knowles had been qualified for his pension, and had eked it out from his garden work, he would have been alive and fit today. After 40 a man is ripe for settli down. However, there it is. If you can think of any actual way in which you think I can help, please ask. I am most willing - but up against a blank end. Yours T.E.S.