My dear Calvin

For a long time I have been expecting that promised letter from you but have not yet received it. You ought certainly to think me very gregarious to write before its arrival. But my conscience will not allow me to conceal the fact that I am writing from somewhat interested motives, namely to ask you to once more institute a search after one of those white spitz dogs. In my last letter I fancy it must given you the impression that Isaac was the only one who wanted the dog and therefore you gave up the quest, but I really admire them very much and would like to have one to walk beside the baby's carriage, if it is not troubling you too much to find one and bring it with you in September. Please don't go out of your way and inconvenience yourself to get one, but if you meet with a very pretty one, I shall be very much obliged. The baby is getting on nicely, and I hope by the time 'Uncle' Calvin sees her will present as respectable an appearance as possible. As I dare say Isaac has told you there was great room for improvement, but we who saw her first think there is a wondrous change for the better.

I suppose you are keeping as quiet as possible so as not to go out of shape. These melting days, it is very warm here some days, but nothing I suppose to what you endure in New York. Your father looks remarkably well, and the Lady of the mansion has in some marvelous way managed to renew her youthful beauty during her visit to your side of the river. Beside her I feel myself old and faded. Miss Henwood inquired the secret of the change but received no satisfactory reply. I must now close as I have an engagement down town, but I hope to see you here very soon.

Believe me, ever your affec-t sister,

Mary B. McQuesten