Dear Calvin,

The book and your letter were a pleasant surprise to me when I reached home last Monday morning. Many thanks for your kind words of sympathy.

My brother's death has been a sad blow to us and one hard to recover from. Until you are tried, you will not know how hard it is to part with brother or sister, and now we are so few -- We do not try to understand the ways of Providence, but must submit to His will, knowing that we shall see clearer some day.

You are always so kind to me at Christmas time, and I always seem to make you so little return. When in St. Mary's young Tom Spring came up to see his aunt & Katie and he was talking about "The Blazed Trail" and asking if we had read it -- We replied "no" so he said to be sure and do so at the first opportunity. Did it not seem strange that you should have sent that very book?

You are I hear getting on nicely with your work & I am so glad Calvin, for you know we both take a special interest in you. It must have been delightful to have been able to spend your Christmas together.

We as a family look back with pleasure to the fact that we celebrated my mother's seventieth birthday and were all together for a little time, but now the circle is broken -- I must not make you sad too, I shall write of more cheerful matters.

Marion Monteith and Andrew Campbell were married on the tenth of last month. It was a very large wedding and went off well, so everyone says. On Wednesday evening of this week Violet Russel, and John Ratcliffe took each other for better or worse. This was quite a fashionable affair I believe. Mr. Fowlie of Erin, the bride's uncle married them, Mr. Fletcher assisting. So no doubt the job was well done.

We had a call from Melville [?] this afternoon. He is a fine looking fellow. I saw Alex Grant in St. Mary's for a few minutes and thought him much improved. He has taken to glasses, and has his hair quite short.

Mr. Fletcher joins me in very kindest regards and best of wishes for a Happy New Year, and thanking you very much for that nice book. I am dear Calvin,

Your affect. friend

Anna Fletcher