My dear dear Cal,

This is our day and we had a number of callers among their Mrs. Rioch and Grace, of course we talked about Jack and you. Fancy Jack gets 20 cts a lb for his chickens. I am glad we do not have to pay that, although every thing is getting dear here. We expect Ruby on Friday night, but they could neither get Christmas rates nor return rates, these railways are so mean; it is so much to pay full rate home and back, R. could not get home on last week, because they had to have a meeting of the Board on Thursday and Dr. Warden was to be there. Dr. Fletcher told me that Dr. Warden was a tall slight young man, but up at Sarin's he was driving and the horse ran away, he jumped out and broke both his legs, was laid up for six months, lost 3 inches in height and was never able to walk well afterwards.

Tom had a letter of the same style as I had from Ken. Such a simpleton, for Tom had nothing to do with the matter and H. forgot to send back two small photos, which he had given long ago to Tom I think, so he sent for them also, the baby.

I wish he was out of your house, so that you would not even be troubled seeing him. We see by the paper that Mr. Begue has got Mr Ghent's place, which is a good thing for him. We are still going on without our furnace, to-day was like Spring. Tom writes that he hardly knows how to turn for time, has had so many essays to write. I told him to get them typewritten as I know they could never read them. Mrs. Mullin was saying she had a long letter from Sarah McDonald from Italy, but the writing was so difficult to read, that she had never read it.

We all took dinner with Mrs. Thomson on Thursday and enjoyed it very much, it is a lovely change, they always inquire for you. Mary & Hilda are going with others to hear the Westminster Choir boys this evening. We have really nothing of interest to relate, and I am afraid you must be having a very dull time of it, working away all the time. Was sorry to hear that Mr. McWilliams was going, as I had hoped you might find some pleasure some time in their acquaintance. Must hope some one better will take their place.

Have no doubt all our steps are wisely-ordered, but sometimes have wished you could have remained in Toronto, where you would have had more friends, for I am afraid Johnson will now be no good, he will be so occupied with his lady love. People in love are useless. However, I expect you are too busy to be lonely, but I just wish, we could be with you, and then, you would be at home. But some day I trust I shall be able to come and visit you.

Mrs. Strachan is giving a 'Tea' for Mary Stevens on Friday, to which M.[Mary] & I am invited. Well, my dear dear boy I wish I could do some thing to help you. At the annual meeting of the Y.W.C.A at the Caroline St. mission Mr. Howitt gave a Bible reading from the verse "So I am with you always" and in connection with it brought to our notice a verse that I never thought of specially before, II Chron. 16:9, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro, throughout the whole earth to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." Is not that a very wonderful thought. It gave me a great feeling of rest. After all, what men esteem as great accomplishments must be very small in the Lord's eyes and He deals with us in infinite wisdom.

It seems a pity but Herneur Mullin spends every spare evening card-playing, not gambling, but at which parties, coming home late of course, seems not even to read the papers thoughtfully. Such an uninteresting fellow! Just like a boy, showing his new clothes. Well, I must close, "The Talter" did not come this week. With much love from all.

Your loving Mother

M. B. McQuesten