he blew it at hap past six anyway. Imagine if anybody home had told me I
could sleep till a quarter of seven Christmas morning. I guess you
know what Id a told him, eh, Mable?

Theres a fello in town what says he'll send flowers anywhere you want by
telegraph. I was goin to send you some for Christmas morning. Then I
figgered it was a silly idea. In the first place theyd get all smashed
on the way. An then you cant get enough flowers in one of them little
envelopes to make one good smell. Nothin if not right. Thats me all
over, Mable.

I had dinner in town with Max Glocoses mother. Hes a fello in our tent.
Shes a nice enough old lady but she aint military, Mable. We was walkin
down the street before dinner an salutin officers so fast it looked like
we was scratchin our forheds. An every time we saluted she bowed. I
didnt say nothin cause after all she was payin for the dinner. Later on
though she says. "I think its fine you boys has made so many friends
among the officers cause I think there such nice men." Can you beat it
Mable? An when she went home she sent Max an officers hat cord cause she
said she didnt think it would fade as quick as that old blue thing he
was wearin.

I like to forgot to thank you for the Christmas presents you an your
mother sent. Im glad you minded what I said about not wantin nothin
although Id sent you two presents what was worth more than I could
afford ($4.87). As I said to Joe Loomis who was in the tent when your
presents came, it aint what the thing cost or wether you could ever use
it for anything. Its the thought. Sentiment before pleasure. Thats me
all over, Mable.