My dearest Cal,

Here we are at home again, and the cool weather fortunately came with us, so that we were very glad to be at home. It is a tiresome day, the coming home we had we had to rise at 4 a.m. for 5:30 boat and then we had to wait at Muskoka wharf, for Mary's boat which was late, so we did not reach home till nearly 8 o'clock and Mary having gone by C.P.R. did not arrive till nearly 9 o'clock. She got off at Parkdale but none of the Whittemores were at home. Mary looks extremely well after trip and Edna is just as bright as possible and ready to help all she can. Ruby says she feels fine though she did not gain in flesh it seems to me, but Hilda does not look as much better as I thought she would. I believe it must be the Muskoka air that is so fine, for I feel much better myself. When we arrived home, we found Mrs. Mullin and Willie bursting with the news that Heurner is engaged to Ethel Lazier. Mrs. M. is greatly relieved that she will not have to be with him any longer, but knows nothing more at present.

Tom has been up over Labour Day, he is getting quite a man of affairs, having the buying of the Beach Properties for the Railway people, he has already paid out $ 25,000. He looks thin, but will take some holidays after Henderson gets back. Will take them at home he says. James Chisholm is off in the old country. It was sorry to hear that your parishioners were such a miserable set, lately I seem to have heard of several congregations who are always at loggerheads. It is certainly fearfully discouraging to have to deal with such people. It must be very hard to have any enthusiasm amid such surroundings. You used to tell of different families, whom you liked, are there any now, have forgotten their names except McNeills. Are you comfortable in your home? We all wish you could have been here too when we arrived. Now we are busy getting Ruby ready to go off next Monday. I do hope this will be the last year for Ottawa. We hear of the railway wanting a strip off our garden. Tom is going to consult with Railway lawyers in Toronto, so as to see how much we can make out of it. But of course it may come to nothing. Central Church has advertised its property. Just to think of you going 20 miles to be shut out by a wicked man. It seems as if he would receive a terrible punishment some day. But do not feel discouraged, you are working for God, and let that thought always lift you up above these trials. Must catch the post. With much love from all.

Your loving mother

M.B. McQuesten