Here’s a newsy letter telling about Dart’s activities during his final days of boot camp. He’s been on light duty since being discharged from the hospital, excusing him from drills and calisthenics. Instead, he and a few others from his company have been practically rebuilding the barracks. They’ve removed the baseboards, sanded and varnished them, repaired some doors, washed windows and a slew of other paltry tasks. (“Light duty,” Navy-style!)
Today, while two 5,000-man regiments were inspected on the drill fields, Dart’s small band of men were undergoing barracks inspection. They were the only company in 32 who received perfect scores in two categories. With pride, he writes, “We’re expecting to see a couple of rooster flags flying from our staff Monday morning.”
Dart’s group will probably not have a formal graduation ceremony, but all that matters to him is that his leave is set. It begins at 0800 on June 28 and runs through July 11. He begins to imagine a scenario where he might be able to get up to see her, if only for a day. Then he realizes he’s selling the idea to the wrong person, since Dot is already in complete agreement with any plan that would put them in the same place. He knows he needs to sell his folks on the idea, but he won’t even guess the outcome of that conversation. You can read his frustration and worry in the words he writes. He’s so desperate to see her, but fears that dream will go the way of others he’s had in recent memory.
He still has not received any forwarded letters from Dot describing her birthday festivities or gifts. He’s curious about the Friday night surprise and, probably about her reaction to his gift.
Tonight, he loafs, but tomorrow is another full day, including washing all his clothes and linens.
Can a letter be both wistful and cheerful? I think Dot proves that it can. She imagines him reading this letter in his own bedroom at home. She gets tearful when she imagines the reunion with a son and his parents. How she wants to be part of that celebration! She remembers how wonderful Christmas at the Chamberlain house was because Gordon was home before being shipped out.
Remarking that not only does absence make the heart grow fonder, but it also makes one realize there’s no place like home, she tells of her friend Cynthia who is home briefly from her school, Oberlin. The girl is thrilled to be back on a brief break before returning to Ohio for summer classes. Dot comments, “She’s a wonderful girl. I wish you could have met her (and about a half million other people). If your curiosity gets the better of you and you can’t bear to let these people remain unknown, come East. I promise to introduce you to everyone.”
She issues an order that he have a perfect leave. She requests that he have a double good time because she will be with him mentally. To keep him from feeling tied down, she grants him a 10-day recess from writing letters.
“Give my love to your family, but keep plenty for yourself,” she writes. Will he take her up on the offer not to write? Will his leave live up to expectations? Is there a chance he’ll be able to make the long trip to Greenwich to lay eyes on his beloved?
We have no choice but to let the story unfold.
