Sunday, Aug. 19, 1917

Dear Marie,

This is my first day out of the mess hall. I had a week at being Dining
Room Orderly and believe me I am glad that someone else is taking his
turn at it. From 5:30 A:M to 7:30 P:M with just enough time to eat, and
a rest between 3 & 4 P:M is no “light occupation.” It will seem good to
get back at signal practice tomorrow. I will have to study and buzzer
practice every evening so wont be able to write much. There was no
letter from you today but will expect some in the morning. Gee but I
wish I could talk to you.

It sure is going to be hard to leave without seeing you at all. If I
didn’t have such a healthy bunch of folks I could dope out some way of
having a day in Beloit. I can hardly wait to get your picture. Send it
as soon as you can. Maybe I’ll get some here pretty soon. I should like
to see you with your hair done up. Did Lauretta ever fix it for you? I
sure am glad that you and Lauretta are such very close friends. Don’t
ever tell her that I ever “hugged” you. She and you are the only girls I
have had very much respect for ---- say nothing of anything further.

One reason I respect and like her so well is that I know she would never
allow anyone to get too familiar. Any girl that hasn’t got pretty high
ideals would never get a second thought from me. (Probably wouldn’t want
one either) I don’t know why I am writing this to you ---- I guess its
because I want you to know one reason why you have “wrapped yourself
completely around my heart”, as Blanche put it. Everything that I have
learned about you has increased my respect and love for you. The reason
I know I will always love you is that I know you will never change.

Marie you are just exactly as I would have you in every way. You always
were and I am sure you always will be.

Don’t let Lou “kid” you about school. I will admit that I admire any
girl that has learned to reason and think independently, without getting
muscle-bound between the ears.

Well there goes “taps” so I will have to quit.

Yours Forrest.