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My dearest Cal,

This is a dull heavy morning, and I seem equally dull; we have been on the continual go this week, and I am just tired. Altho' the 9th was the date when darling Ruby left us, it was more present to me on Sunday, I seemed to go over it all again. It was indeed a loss to us all never to be repaired, but I do not grieve about it now, she just seems to have gone a little before. I think the greatest loss was really to yourself, she would have been such a help to you, and I always planned that she would be with you at first; I used to fancy her, charming the people. But God plans for the best¹.

On Wednesday I went to Burlington to address the Auxiliary, Mrs. Thomson went with me. They seemed pleased with my address, but Mrs. Thomson was dreadfully depressed to see the few in numbers (this was their old church)² and if you believe it Mrs. Symington was not there, tho' she is Treasurer of our Presbyterial and Mrs. Thomson says Willie takes no part in the church tho' one of our elders³. Mrs. James had a letter from Willie and he thinks your manse can be made very homelike and you recited splendidly and were much appreciated⁴. It is good to hear the people are so friendly asking you to tea. (Are there any girls in those families?) Edna was much pleased with the Easter card, most interesting as yours always are. Sorry not to be able to write more now but must dress to go with Mrs. James to lunch at Mrs. [?]. Find out if there are any doors for the space between the two rooms. Hope you did not catch cold on that wretched drive, and it does not look as if it would be better next Sunday. Am sure you did well; you were nervous because tired with running about, the first Sunday too. With much love.

Your mother

M. B. McQuesten

¹ For Ruby's illness and death see W6135, W9058. Ruby and Calvin were kindred spirits and they often wrote long "stavers" to one another.

² For Thomson family, see W4415. The Thomson's summer home was in Burlington.

³ For Mr. & Mrs. William Symington, see W6343.

⁴ For the James family, see W4436.