Dear Calvin,

When I came down to my breakfast yesterday morning I saw a perfectly huge parcel at my plate. It quite took my breath away, and when I opened it, I shouted for joy. You really are the most remarkable fellow, for choosing appropriate presents. Thank you ever so much; the cushion will be a capital companion to travel with, I would never have thought of getting one for myself; and the color [sic] is so sensible too.

Tom and Edna gave me cash donations. Edna parting with her money quite cheerfully. Hilda gave me a blouse she had bought at Lugano, and Mamma the material for a silk dress. Then I had cream puffs, coffee, boiled mutton, turnips, potatoes & caper sauce for my dinner, and coconut puffs, maccaroons [sic], and Madeira cake for tea, so I consider my birthday a most successful one.

Tom entertained the "Round Table" Club on Thursday night. It is entirely a stag affair. The women place the refreshments on the table while the Club is in another room and then retire. We gave them cold ham, Cabbage and Shrimp salad, ginger ale, cheese, biscuits, small cakes, and Tom managed to provide enough rocking chairs for each member, and lit a grate fire in the sitting-room. The smell of tobacco still lingers, but we understand the evening was a success, more turning out than had ever before. Lizzie MacLaren is here now, do not know how long she will stay. William Mullin is in his elements. He has attended the funerals of two aunts and may possibly go to a third. That and his P.S.A. occupy his mind.

I was up seeing May Stephens the other day and she told me that Constance came home one day from school and said "Mother, can you dance the Tangle." (she meant Tango). There's the new woman. Mattie Davidson is an ardent suffragette. It is as well she is over here, as she should probably spend considerable time in prison if in England. Hilda ia also affected and Mamma too somewhat; so master Thomas has the time if his life, stirring the three up at intervals. He is really most comical. If you are through with the Camera would you bring it down when you come, as I have been wanting to take some snap shots.

Your loving sister

Mary B. McQuesten