It’s very short notes from both Dart and Dot today.  With wry understatement, Dart asks Dot if she recalls him mentioning a guy named Fred a time or two. As it turns out, Dart was part of a recreation party that went ashore today in a “God-fosaken hole,” when he ran into Fred! Small world. He remarks that it was good to meet an old acquaintance so far from home. He said Fred looked good, was in a good situation, but didn’t appreciate it much.

He refers once again to Nancy’s dream, which seems to be a favorite of Dot’s. If I recall correctly, it was one where Dart showed up in Greenwich in civilian clothes. “Other dreams have come true, such as our plans for being engaged.” He has hinted in the past that Nancy’s dream may come true as well.

He asks Dot if Kent State starts in early or late September. “The success of my idea does not depend on it, but it may help to know.” He asks about the big family dinner that the Chamberlains traditionally used to announce a daughter’s engagement. “Isn’t everyone usually there, including the young lady and gent?”

All of these hints and questions could lead a person to think he’s looking at a September leave. Does he know something we don’t?

Dot makes her letter short because she’s in a funk and doesn’t want it to infect Dart. She’s been so worried about Dart and Gordon. She can’t see why the Navy won’t send her brother home after 14 months at sea and now an injury causing months of disability.

“Oh Dart, what’s wrong with me? I’m not usually this way but today something kept telling me something was going to happen. I’m not usually this way but today I’ve been unable to help myself.” What she says is true. I’ve never known a person less prone to worrying or stewing about whty might happen. She always told me that worrying was just borrowing trouble from the future. The best defense when something bad does happen is to be relaxed and rested so that you’re more able to deal with it. Dad was always the one who carried the “worry gene” in our family, but even young Dot has proven herself susceptible. Maybe now that her dreams of marriage to Dart are becoming real, she realizes how much she has to lose.

“Darling, forgive me. It’s only that I love you so very, very much and do so want to know everything is all right. God bless you and keep you safe.”