Dearest Calvin,

You will, I am afraid, be having a very cold time of it and I am sure the girls are too as we are cold enough here. I am sending all the letters received since I last wrote you. When Hilda's last was written R.[Ruby] had only been 10 days at the cottage and I am thankful H. thought her looking so well. On Sabbath our church was draped in black and Dr. Fletcher and Mr. Ketchen both took part the doctor being introduced as acquainted with the King in his young days. This consisted in the doctor aged sixteen seeing the prince aged seven at Argyle Castle which amused Tom tremendously. Mr. Ketchen spoke remarkably well, one of the best eulogies I have heard or read. I wonder if you are getting the Globe. It is wonderful what a power King Edward was. There was such a fine tribute from a late French minister of Foreign Affairs.

We are just busy all these days getting the house ready for leaving and Mary getting meals. I do trust and pray earnestly that God may in great mercy cause Ruby to so improve that it may be a real holiday at the cottage this summer. Edna is doing nobly in assisting, but it is very dull for her, the weather so chilly. Tom is working like a Trojan painting at the floor now, the third coat.

Dr. Ross went away the other day and married and English girl we hear. Am glad for Mrs. Mullin's sake Robin is doing so well, she had not heard from Archie for many weeks, lately have not liked to ask her. Nellie is talking of going to the continent with some other nurses, thinks her health requires it (?).

Mrs. Wardrope told me the other day, that Macdonald has a good situation in Winnipeg, previous to that she was simply worried to death not knowing where he was. Old Dr. Wardrope will not stay with his daughter in Montreal but must go visiting, so he had reached Toronto last Sabbath, taken very ill & they had to go down to him, so he is here now but quite better again. Mary Taylor was in to-day, spending a few days with her aunt, she seems a very sad, disappointed little girl. If Amy had not taken up that other girl, it would have been very different, but Mary feels alone.

I was very thankful you had someone to provide a warm supper when you reached the Manse, and had good congregations. See Angus Cameron is already married and Duckworth too. Mattie D. took Edna with her last night to a little concert in St. Paul's school-room given by girls of Kingsthorpe and E. came home very cheerful. I do not know your mails how, your letter came on Monday which had been written Monday previous. All join in much love.

Your loving mother

M. B. McQuesten