My dear dear Cal,

I was really glad to hear that you were off for your little trip, I would certainly take Monday to come home. I had a letter from Miss Lerned, she seems to be in very feeble health, but so pleased at thought of seeing you. I do hope you will have some fine weather, so rainy and cold here. I trust you will fall in with somebody to show you the sights. One thing I remember going to see was Audubon's birds in a museum. He was a very celebrated naturalist. Mrs. Fletcher was much pleased at your account of the doctor. A meeting is called to arrange for a reception when he returns. Mr. Chisholm sails from Montreal this week, it is a pity it was just the week you are away.

I do hope you took some warm clothing with you, an overcoat at least. Whatever you do, do not eat in a hurry and catch cold like Herbie Bell, he is suffering a great deal with the wound but hopes to be alright. There are so many cases of appendicitis it is most alarming.

Hilda has just returned from the Proudfoot's, they are up on the mountain now. Did I tell you that Helen Gartshore had invited both Hilda and Edna to spend two weeks with them at Roach's Point on Lake Simcoe where they have taken a cottage for the season. I am so glad for Hilda to have a change. Too many deaths lately: J.J. Mason who had a very grand Military and Masonic funeral, then J.H. McPherson who died suddenly on his way home in a steamer near Owen Sound. Then last night poor old Mr. Dingwall got word of the sudden death by pneumonia of his son Allan, who was a mining Engineer out in Colorado.

Our roses are gorgeous this year, there must be thousands. Mary took a large bunch to the hospital to-day. We expect Ruby on Friday. Mary has just come in from the meeting and they are going to have a great blow-out for the doctor. Tommy Cook is determined to have the Harpists, all the ministers are invited and there is to be high jinks. Wish you could be here and Tom. Dear me, he is in a lonely place it is good for him, I suppose, but it does not seem much fun for the poor chap. Well dearie, take great care of yourself. I hope everything will turn out well. With much love from all.

your loving mother

M.B. McQuesten