My dear Calvin,

Your welcome letter reached me and was glad to hear so much news. Your description of the amateur Entertainment amused us very much particularly Edna; she is never weary of reciting tales of Buckingham and only regrets you are not near enough for her to visit you frequently. The girls had letters from Mrs. McBain and Ethel M. Mrs. McB. thinks Miss R. charming and hopes to visit her often, when M.B. Sale is over. It is pleasant for you to have her company, when you go driving. But soon it will be too cold, I am afraid.

I am glad Mr. L. was moved to express his approbation. You preach fine sermons always, if they would only tell you, you would see how Dr. Herridge expressed himself on Presbyterians. I cannot remember exact words. I am getting very frivolous, was tempted to go again to the movies. It was Hall Caine's "Eternal City." It promised picture of Rome and Vatican. It gave some fine pictures of them and the Pope, old Pius, but was more of the Stage, than Cabra[?], it was wonderful. Tom is urging me on to see Antarctic picture next week, but have seen enough for a while.

Before I forget, I want to say there is a pair of your flannelette pyjamas and a nightshirt here, so you would not need to bring them at Xmas. I am going to send you descriptions of British Fleet, which are very well worth reading. Did you notice in the Globe this week, the obituary of Elliot Haslam? Tom says Mrs. Drouillard was always talking about him and had a large picture. He was evidently quite a remarkable man in the musical world, and well-connected. But that miserable drink was his trouble and he shot himself. Think it was Thursday's paper, his picture was at top.

Tom and Mr. Chisholm have been arranging to buy some of those fine cluster lights which the Cataract Power Co. put up on King St. for the City, but had to take away when the Hydro came in installed in front of our Church. It has always been very dark about the church, there are to be five altogether. St. Paul's has bought two for their front. It will be a great improvement I think.

Mary and Hilda were up at Mrs. Carey's last night. Will Carey writes home that the rats are terrible in the trenches and they are right over where Germans are buried and when they dig, make terrible finds sometimes. This is why the poor fellows have to smoke so much, the odour so dreadful.

But things look more hopeful all round. Hilda was paying Marjorie Colquhoun Brown a wedding call and heard that Emily is to have an operation for goitre, and her heart is weak, that is one of the great dangers and no anaesthetic can be taken. But they say none of them can go down as they are so busy getting Winnie ready to be married in Dec. to a Mr. Armstrong in Westinghouse but an officer in the Contingent now. Expects to go with him to England.

Mrs. Wheedon called, looking so well and Mr. W. so well and doing well. Edna was up visiting Agnes Dean. She has been ill since Aug. with a very high temperature, but is better now and getting well fast. Doctors decided it was a germ taken through the throat into her blood. There have been raffles of all sorts for the various war funds and Mrs. Dean went in for one or two, as luck would have it, she drew one for a rabbit. So of course Agnes was delighted, but as she was continually with it, they wonder if it brought the germ.

We had Dr. Arthur Boyd last Sunday from Thamesville. Mr. Ketchen was preaching Anniversary Sermons for him. He did very well. Edna was much pleased with a letter from Mrs. McB. H. sends her love to Miss. R. [Robinson] and hopes you are not being spoiled.

Mrs. Boyce will certainly be in clover, it seems a very large allowance. There is a grand muddle here now over the Munition gun fund, which the government didn't want. I am almost out of patience with the numerous schemes which various individuals purpose.

Well, Cal, dear don't wear out your brain, and arrange for quite a holiday at Xmas, if you feel you need a little rest. The people won't object, and can't if we pay the cost. Am sorry the Browns have gone. With kind regards to Miss R. and much love from us all.

Your loving Mother

M.B. McQuesten