My dear dear boy,

Received your note this morning. Poor Mrs. MacKay! I wish I were near enough to visit her sometimes. I suppose I shall have to make an effort and go down before this month closes, but the time is so short that it is very unsatisfactory. If the day were longer, it would seem worth while. I see Mrs. Gregory is living at 49 Admiral Road. Can you tell me where that is? I was wondering if it were much out of the way. I have not been feeling very well and did not manage to write you yesterday and am very stupid to-day.

When Cal. wrote me he said he owes writing you too, he seems quite carried away with the delights of the West, and actually proposed your taking up ranching and that we should all migrate. We would all enjoy taking a trip out there, but I am not so sure about living there. If you could just make enough out of Varsity to put by a little and I might help you to take a trip in your holidays. I would be very glad and one of the girls go with you. That would be lovely. But, I am thankful, that Cal. seems so happy, it is a great comfort.

The girls have just received an invitation to Phyllis Hendrie's coming out ball at the Royal, on the 25^th. They are going to a tea at Mrs. Malloch's to-day. I went to one there on Wednesday. This afternoon I have to go with Mary to get her photo taken, it is a most trying ordeal. Hope it will be satisfactory. Did you try again? I suppose you have had to deny yourself the pleasure of being on the foot-ball team, you would not have time. I see Geo. Ballard and Harry Depew are in New York representing their fraternity. Geo. Is a very prominent man now, he had better not run about too much. We had a call from Walter James, he is in Dundas now and seems much excited by the many invitations showered upon him by unknown Dundas ladies. Seemed very anxious as to Phyllis Hendrie's doing. I suppose he wanted to be able to talk to the "other fellows."

Well dearie, my news seems exhausted. I hope you are not quite so rushed as you are. I heard you are going in for the noble art of boxing. It is certainly a most valuable piece of knowledge to know how to knock a man down when necessary. Take good care of yourself, my dear boy, and seek direction and guidance from above. With best love.

Your loving mother

M.B. McQuesten

[P.S.] Did you write Mrs. Bell at Clifton Springs, P.O., N.Y.?