My dearest Cal,

You will be surprised to hear that I had to go down to Dr. Capon again yesterday. My tooth began troubling me again and I got uneasy and took the noon train¹. He scarcely knew what course to take with it, but finally decided to put iodine on the gum, this morning it was much better and he put more iodine on and I am just to give it another chance. But I am just afraid that I shall have it out finally though Dr. C. does not like to give it up. I did not telephone you and Tom for I know you had no time to spare running after me. Mr. MacKay too was very poorly and I did not want to make any disturbance. Was just ashamed to have to go back so soon, though Maggie says he does not remember².

I took down a pair of socks for you, the woman was so late with the washing that we only had the one pair stretched and Mary never thought to give me your shirt. I left them with Maggie and also a bottle of stuff for your hair. A nurse highly recommended it to Maggie and you are to rub it into your scalp every night for the first week and every other night afterwards³. Maggie said for you to come in for tea Sunday and get the parcel.

The album is the only thing at Copp's [Copp-Clark Publishing Co]. The other books are sent me post-free. Was glad to know you got safe back from Blythe. Well, I must close with much love from all⁴.

Your loving Mother

M.B. McQuesten

[P.S.] Whatever you send Ruby would need to get off by Saturday 19th. You can pass on R.'s letter to Tom.

¹ Mary has been troubled by dental problems since June, 1906 when she returned from her trip to Winnipeg with the Missionary Society. See W5516, W6306.

² Mr. Donald MacKay and his daughter Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. MacKay are now very elderly and both unwell. Mr. M. is in his 93rd year. For MacKay family, see W4297.

³ Calvin was thirty-one years of age and showing signs of baldness.

⁴ Ruby has been in Calgary since early July, 1908 and she was treated there for nine months, until April 1909 (W6387). She was being treated for bronchitis and a "muscular affection of the throat" (W6169), but later was being treated as if she "had the Con" (Consumption) (W6188). She died of Tuberculosis on April 9, 1911. For Ruby's illness, see W6135.