Dear boys,

I am dedicating my first little book to you because you have written and told me so often from the North Sea, from “Somewhere in France,” from Africa, and Mesopotamia that my queer sketches have brightened for you some dull or gloomy hours. Bless you! for if that is true, why then I feel that even your frivolous Eve has done her “bit” in this terrible heartrending struggle. And you will understand, dear boys, that I have—notwithstanding Aunt Matilda’s and Uncle Fred’s disapproval—kept gay and frivolous to please you, and not because I didn’t understand and appreciate what you were doing for me, and other little Eves, and above all for our dear old country, which you have saved. Bless you all again and again. That all you wish may come to you as freely and as welcome as your generous appreciation has come to me is the constant wish of—

P.S.—Tou-Tou sends a fond lick.