Many happy returns dear boy. May your shadow never grow less or as they say in Ireland "May you be long in entering Heaven."¹

Have had our usual thunder storm to-day, with hail as a variation. Am very busy getting ready to leave Wednesday. Old Mr. Hendrie was buried to-day. Why they tolled our bell I don't know. The paper gave him a great puff, ascribing al sorts of virtues to him. Isn't that great about W.L.M. [William Lyon Mackenzie] King being made a Sir. Mamma is more than disgusted, that such a kid has been knighted, and wonders how he will keep his title up with no means. Had a letter from Calvin, he seems to be better but am afraid he is lonely.²

I do hope you will be successful in your race to-morrow. Mamma seems to be much pleased with your appearance but hopes that you will be careful and not get over-heated, and put a coat on after the race.

We are all well Uncle³ has not come up yet but presume he is in good health.

With lots of loves & best wishes,

your loving sister Mary

¹ Thomas had been born June 30, 1882.

² Calvin was away in Saskatchewan at this time.

³ Likely Calvin Brooks McQuesten, the children's only paternal uncle (see W1380) since it appears as though they had few encounters with the Baker family, namely their mother's half-siblings. For information on the Bakers, see W2953 and footnotes.