October 1, 1918
Dear Father,
I am doing my best to cope with your patients. They all want to know when you are coming back, as I do.
Dr. Green is doing an adequate job as your substitute, though he is a little timid. When old Mrs. Muerling came in with an infection (below the waist), he insisted that I conduct the examination while he stood at the far end of the consulting room and stared at the wall. I had to walk back and forth, whispering in his ear, then reexamining her, then answering his questions. All the while, the poor woman had terror on her face because the doctor wouldn't go near her.
Yesterday the little Coxton boy came in with a rubber duck stuffed up his you-know-what. This must be the fourth time. I don't know how the boy walks around comfortably. His mother simply shakes her head when I inquire what inspired him to do this.
I asked John to speak to him, and he wisely told the boy that God wouldn't have given us pockets if he meant us to keep things in our you-know-whats. Have no idea whether this made an impression.
We are very excited about the wedding. You will remember that it is on November 11th. It is my hope that you will bring my sisters back with you. They both claim to be in London (addresses enclosed).
No news from Arthur. I pray that our fighting forces may be victorious.
Sincerely,
Margaret