My dearest Mother,

Just a line here that the letter may not be too heavy, to thank you for the lovely present. It was really a most beautiful set and so complete. I'm afraid you must have spent a great deal on it, more than you ought to have done. I have been treated wonderfully well this year. Cal sent me a sweet little booklet & in it a dollar bill, it's really too much for him to send. Edna gave me those little pins & some maple sugar on which we feasted at dinner.

Hilda & I have been busy tidying up all morning but it is such fine cool weather we did not mind. It looks rather like rain but I hope for your sake it will keep fine. As Edna is just going to school must close again thanking you very much and hoping you will have a most pleasant holiday, my own little mother.¹

Your affectionate daughter,

Ruby

¹ May 3, (1879) is Ruby's birthday. From the context of the letter, it appears that Mary Baker McQuesten is away on a holiday, possibly for a rest. In June of 1897, Mary (mother) had suffered a breakdown and had gone with Mrs. MacKay to the "Sanitarium" at Clifton Springs for rest and treatment, W4400.