My dearest Calvin,

From your letter to Mary, it seems to me you are leading a very active life. I hope you will not get tired out. Mr. Ketchen has gone for two weeks rest to Atlantic City, as he last year did not take it at this time and was so ill afterwards, so you must watch yourself and see if you need a little rest. If you do not wish to come home, I might help you to go elsewhere.

Edna visited the Deans, they had gone to the hospital with Agnes for another examination, but she saw Dr.and Mrs. Kennedy, who wished to be remembered to you and [Sonia?]. Agnes was much pleased with the St. Patrick's card. Agnes still has fever, tho' doctors say her lungs are alright. Yesterday I went up to see Mrs.Lyle, who felt terribly the death of Harry [Lyle]'s wife, and then poor Norman [Lyle]¹ up at France, the latest news not very good. Then I came down to see Mary Hannaford, who had fallen on some ice in the street and broken her shoulder and of course sighs very heavily.

I am sure all the young people would enjoy the snow-shoe party there must be so few entertainments we have certainly had a very cold March, but I hope that now the worst is over. Archie Mullin is still going about without any thing to do. He has had chances, but he does not take them. Did I tell you Nellie's engagement is off? Called at Amisfield one day, they were inquiring for you. You would be reading "Ralph Connors visit to the Fleet," he is a lucky individual. The Germans I fancy scarcely know what to do. Haven't the French done well?

Mr. Byers is going about just now, he gave up his charge. I am always sorry for that poor fellow, he is really a nice man. I hope your butler came alright; it would be too bad if it did not. To-day is Col. Moore's funeral; by special permit he is being buried in Ham. Cemetary as has his wife, tho' Catholics, she was a Stinson. I am glad you do not feel the children's sermon a burden, Mrs. Thomson says F.B. Meyer always did that and she thought it so nice, but between every thing I hope you will not over do it. I suppose your league is like the league of worshipping children we read of in B.N.

Mrs. Lyle told me so much of Dr. Jowett,² Harry and his wife attended his church and his Christmas sermon was so very beautiful and she read me the letter he wrote Harry after his wife's death, she was such a fine girl, wore herself out. It was all very tragic; Harry had to perform an operation on a lad, to draw the pus from a lung, it burst out and went right into Harry's mouth. In spite of all precautions, blood poisoning ensued in his throat and he had a terrible time she nursed him through it, very foolishly, became run down and died of pneumonia. Previous to this had both been at a hospital in France. Poor Norman, just like Ruby in that horrid Ottawa had just had a succession of colds, had grip, and the doctor evidently did not look after him, but had him go out in very few days, so he had pleurisy, and will I am afraid never recover.

Tom is taking Blackwood. Have you time to read it, if I sent it? This morning going out met Mrs.Colquhoun, who insisted on dining me wherever I wanted to go. She hears from Gourlay who writes cheerfully, but he has not got his Xmas presents from her yet. Humphry has got into the sea-plane service of the Admiralty, she says and gets $5.00 a day. It is hard to believe. Well, my news is exhausted. Take good care of yourself. All join in best love.

Your affectionate mother

M.B. McQuesten

¹ For information on the Lyle family, see W4436.

² For more on Jowett, see W8787.