My dear Calvin,

Mama and Hilda have gone to the dressmakers' so I thought I'd begin a letter to you. I'm writing on the table on the verandah after having had my tea out here.

We are much relieved that the jam reached Sask. and Hilda is wondering if any bottles were smashed. We have preserved strawberries, black currants, gooseberries and raspberries and red currants for Mrs. Mullin and ourselves. In return for which Mrs. M wants to take us all to Ancaster and treat us to tea at the Hotel.

I haven't heard from Nellie J. since she was at Portland. Willie was here. He gets cheap rates so he goes up to Sparrow Lake for each week end. I expect to go next month.

I was monitor at Entrance exams and earned $4.00. The Star offered 50 cents for anyone who banked $2.00 in a little bank the Bank provided for 6 months. So I banked $2.00. Tom was going to send down his office boy with it yesterday.

I have started to go to the House of Refuge on Thursday to read to the women. There is an old blind woman who is very grateful for being read to. She is very nice. They nearly all are and like so much to be read to. I take them flowers. The deaf woman shoved them to her nose and beamed all over and said "My! ain't they nice!" They are nasturtiums and they love the bright colours.

There is a new home for Incurables being built on to the Refuge Infirmary to take the place of Father Gaggan's St. Peter's Home. There is talk of its being turned into an Old Man's Home.

Mrs. Parret said to soak a cloth in coal oil and put it on your head underneath your hat and the mosquitoes wouldn't bother you.

It is getting dark so must close. Your loving sister ¹

Edna

¹ It is evident from this letter that Edna is feeling much better after her emotional breakdowns. For the history of her mental illness, see her Biographical sketch by clicking on her picture on the "Family" page.