Henri to Yvette

650 Gen Tpt Coy
Italy

11 October

… OK, Yvette, I have been working too hard these last days. An interesting and productive job. I am very often very high where there is mud and the noise of cannon and machine guns, there where men break each other’s necks. I am happy to be here. Although the job in the rain and the mud on the slippery roads is extremely tiring. But the morale is good. I feel fine, knowing that I’m doing something useful. Something that in the general effort of humanity to end this war in victory, it is a contribution, the greatest permitted me.  I am really happy not to find myself any long at Base…. Last week I was walking, by chance in a big city. I contemplated for a long time a famous cathedral, but still, darling, it is Notre Dame that is most in my heart. In none of the Italian churches have I found the air of mystery as in Paris. Quite simply, I pine for Notre Dame and I’m sure I’ll see a lot more in it now that I found before. Speaking of Paris – it is free. Paris! It is about to be finally liberated. Oh darling, darling, it’s really too beautiful to talk about. So we’ll be silent… I have written to Manka about money for you. I hope she will be able to do something. Why don’t you tell me more about your projects?