Sisters’ Quarters, University House
Birmingham
June 9th 1915
My own dear Cyril
I had intended writing tomorrow and not today but I’ve had a line from Mrs Jarvis asking me to meet her tomorrow evening so I should not have time. When we get an evening pass we get off at 5 and need not be in until 10 – if we choose.
There is no particular news to give you, darling – my work is pretty much the same every day. I was very pleased Charge Sister let me do all the dressings yesterday evening. You see presently some of the Charge Sisters are being sent elsewhere, then the Orderly Sisters get promotion and it is rumoured that the Senior Nurses will then take the place of Junior of the 2 Orderly Sisters in a Ward - and that our salaries will be raised.
I am not sure but I think the scale of payment is:
Charge Sister £60
Senior Orderly Sister £50
Junior Orderly Sister £40
As we do not hold certificates we imagine we shall not get £40 but that we shall get say £30, in order to get more than the VAD’s who at present receive the same as we do.
I am longing to hear from you again, dear – I rush to the “pigeon holes” every post in the hopes of a letter, although I am not so mad as to really expect a letter by every post!
I’ll draw you a plan of the garden and see if you can get an idea from it as to the situation of the house and grounds [SEE IMAGE BELOW].
Beyond the rockery on the right side is an orchard and a garden for the servants. So you see what a big place it is. I should have made the garden and lawn twice the size I have to be in proportion to the house.
A Tennis Club is being put up but I am not joining in a hurry until I hear what expenses are attached to it.
I am now going to have a short snooze. We are all going to be interviewed by Miss Musson this afternoon and I don’t want to look as sleepy as I feel!
Best love, dear Heart. God bless you.
Ever your devoted
Mela
PS – You may be sure I shall be thinking of you as well as snoozing!
