My dear Calvin,

I really am ashamed of myself not to have written you before and thank you for the dog. It is a beautiful little thing and is very gentle although it is [illegible] too. I am very much obliged, but when I wrote for it, and not expect you at all to bear the expense which was a great deal too kind.

Yesterday your father, Isaac and I went to Toronto for the day and enjoyed the trip very much. I don't know when Isaac has written or if he told you that Mrs. McQ. became very uneasy about "Abby" and when Dr. Cross was over from St. Catharines requested him to examine her. He pronounced one lung very much diseased. So Mrs. McQ. thinks she must leave here before the cold weather, and if possible for some warm climate. The baby is getting on nicely, looking much the better of her food. We are having much delightful weather that she gets out a great deal. Almost every day of this fine weather in Autumn, one feels may be the last. The grapes are all gone nearly except the [illegible] and they are quite sweet this year. Bill McCord was inquiring about you yesterday. Now I must close my letter as I have an engagement to go out this afternoon. Hoping you are quite well and with many thanks.

Believe me ever your affec-ate sister,

Mary B. McQuesten