My dearest Calvin,

It seems a long time since I received your letter and by this time your week with Mrs. McKinley will be nearly over. I was very glad to see by the prospectus that you would be in such a comfortable house. It was really most attractive to any one wanting a quiet rest, and the bill of fare most tempting.

If you think of going to Washington, I might write Herbert Bell, as to a place to stay. Think he knows the city pretty well. You know how you feel and if you think best to take your holiday shortly it would be well to do so. [?] Mr. Findlay thinks you need a rest. That was certainly a terrible day to have a funeral, it was a mercy the cold didn't last, but strange it should come and go so suddenly.

Our Presbyterial Annual is next Tuesday in Central Church, I have been trying to get my address in order. I am expecting Mrs. Dey of Simcoe to stay with us. Miss Clearihue of India is to speak and Mrs. Steele is coming up. I went down on Tuesday to a Board Meeting. Mrs. S. had let me know that the new constitution of the United Societies as prepared by the Committee was to be brought to the Board. There was nothing exciting. Went home with Mrs. Steele to lunch.

The chief topic here is Mary's tour, she thinks now she will give up Ireland for the present and go with Miss Withrow as Hilda did, she sees so much more of the Continent, and it is better when she goes, to see as much of it as she can. The McKenzies went with the Cuthberts, the first part, the British Isles and thought it perfect and it is the most reasonable of all the tours.

Had the annual meeting of the congregation Wednesday. After all the business was concluded Miss Harris rose and proposed there should be an addition to the minister's salary of $200. I had no objection to that, if the managers had proposed it, but I was disgusted at its being proposed by her; and I told her so. She declared she had Mr. C.'s permission, if so he managed it very badly. The way it was reported would not be very gratifying to Mr. Ketchen I would think. Now that you have things off your mind, am sure you could enjoy a while at home & save your coppers. Must close, with much love.

Your mother

[M.B. McQuesten]