My dearest Tom & Cal,

As Mrs. Mullin has been in. I have not much time to write, but wish to say, that I have not really been "down again." I simply had nothing special to do on Thursday and the weather being cold, was more comfortable in bed; and I thought Edna might as well write. We have been busy this week getting various little things in order. The slowest plumber ever sent by Stevenson came up with dining-room gasalin [sic] and spent a lot of time getting various fixtures in order; one of the dining-room globes being a little larger than other could not get a ring to fix it, so we have to search the city.

Cannot say that I am regretting at all having spent money on the house; there was nothing else for me to do; if it had been at all decent might have felt I had been foolish; as it is, intend to enjoy it, having suffered from its shabbiness so long It will take a while to catch up, that is all. The Skedden affair will take time to tell, but it is best for him not to occupy any position in our church, I am really sorry to say. Miss Kinrade had an offer from a choir in Richmond, Miss Cary goes to the continent to study. The Elgar Choir seems to have done well. Are they not having a lively time in Ottawa House, it was amusing to read how the Frenchman teased the Tories.

I do trust you will not have to go to Sudbury, until milder weather prevails. Do your best to put it off; you might be snowed up and no comfortable place to stay. Was glad to hear Cal was getting on with his thesis, it will be a relief to his mind. Have started to read "Lothair" again, and think the Cardinal mentioned there must be Newman; Lothair was the Marquis of Bute, it is generally thought. Disraeli, the Jew, of course had no love for the Catholics. Well, I hope you are both well. With much love.

Your Mother

[M.B. McQuesten]

¹ NOTE ON DATE: Whitehern Calendar places date as March 27, 1909, but context likely places it in late February or early March, 1908. Mary's letter of February 24, 1908, mentions Skedden and the choir (W6039). Also Edna's letter to Calvin and Tom of February 27, 1908, states similar themes: "Mama has been in bed today," also Skedden, Miss Kinrade, Miss Cary and the Choir (W6043).