My Dear Calvinus

Many happy returns of the day am sorry you are not here to eat a birthday cake, but perhaps Hilda will make you one when she visits you. Am sending [in] this mail a little present in the shape of a butter knife. Got it in return in so many coupons and a sum of money, so as you only had a fruit-knife for that purpose thought a real one would be very acceptable.

We have been leading a most strenuous life here what with dressmaking and house-cleaning but are nearly through now, and ready for the doings next week. Mamma has been most extraordinarily active these days to the great perturbation of Tom who on several occasions has shown traits of the uncle's which we did not know he possessed, any extra activity seems to affect him.

Our garden is beginning to be beautiful now many bulbs in bloom. Kate Mackenzie left hurriedly last Monday for Toronto and from there to go to Montreal to be with Mrs. Williamson. I am so sorry for them, the whole connection seems so affectionate. According to Kate young Williamson was thoroughly enjoying his life.

Tuesday night the S.S. [Sunday School] scholars and teachers met for Red Cross work. Mr. Leitch seemed particularly cheerful. During the course of the evening he told us he had twenty-two cousins in the war and six had been killed already. I suppose he counted the five who married the Braithwaite girls. Whether that had anything to do with his cheerfulness I don't know.

A few weeks ago I went down to see his Phyllis Jelfer and her [?] hopefuls. She has a very nice lot down Barton Street near Sherman. Fred is in business down there & is doing very well. The children are splendid so fine and healthy. Stew Stephens is a member of the Horse Guard but his drillings do not seem to have lessened his corporation any.

Tom just received word that Col. Logie [was thrown from a motor, had had his head badly cut; a shoulder dislocated and other injuries. It is really most unfortunate.¹

Was up seeing Laura the other day, she had a bad attack of rheumatism but was as cheerful as ever.

The Glasscos are also well and the Bard is nearly as active as ever. Well my dear boy as there are still a number of things to do will have to close with best wishes and best love.

Lovingly yours

Mary B. McQuesten

P.S. Archie Mullin is back again apparently with nothing to do.

¹ For Col. Logi, see W4759.