My dearest Tim [Tom],

It seems a long time since I had written or heard from you. But so much seems to take place in a week that the end seems far off from the beginning & time seems longer than it really is though it goes fast enough. You have been at home making yourself most useful to the garden. I think the little Mither feels quite relieved to have you tackle it. And you do do so nicely. I'm feeling now that it will be a very short time till I see it.

I'm getting ready to go out to the Cascades to-morrow afternoon to stay over the 24th at the Willie Smith's. I hope it is a fine warm day.--it has been quite cool lately, but fine & bright. To-night we are to have a lecture & views of Japan by a Mr. Ames M.P. of Montreal. Mr. Nosse is to be in the chair.

You must be relieved to have your exams over. I quite agree with your sentiments about letting young girls & boys off when old? boys like you get off so early. But it needs something more to induce parents to forego the pleasure of getting rid of their youngsters for 9 mos. of the year. You'll have to use your influence when you're a man of power and a good old "fiftier."

And now I must run off to another class--one pupil for Matric. Latin. And then I'll have to be off down town to send you your note.¹

I wish you could have a full two months at the lumber camp.² You really need a change. With much love, hoping you're quite over your cold.

Your affe'ate sister

Ruby

¹ Ruby is referring to a "bank note" or a postal note. She sends money to Tom regularly to pay for his education at university. See W6135, W-MCP3-5.041.

² Tom worked at the lumber camp for the summer of 1903, 1904 and part of 1905. See W5199, W5410.