Dearest Cal,

As my coming depends on the weather could not let you know exact day, besides it would not be worth your while as I rush immediately to Dr. Capon. It looks as if to-morrow would be fine so just telephone to Mr. MacKay's at 2 o'clock and see if I have come. If you have any clothes bring them with you, I am bringing you a couple of shirts. Tom ran in yesterday, said he had been so unsettled. He had not seen you at all. It is about decided now that he shall go in with Mr. Chisholm in April, but does not quite know what to do in the meantime, he seems to have a horror of staying longer than he is wanted though Mr. Masten is quite agreeable just now, when he sees Tom is making arrangements to leave; not that he makes any complaint of Tom's work but business is not brisk. It is a difficult matter to decide as to Tom's final start, but he thinks, and I think, perhaps it is as good a place as anywhere else here in Hamilton where Mr. C. would give him a chance, and he has a certain standing and could enjoy the home. It takes time to get a practice and we are not sure there is any special advantage in Toronto.

I had always thought perhaps some special opening would come, but at the same time on the other hand hope that here I may get him interested in some good work besides his business. In Toronto he will be old before he begins anything and in a smaller place too one's influence tells more.¹ It is a matter for earnest prayer by us all, for it is a critical time. We have had such lovely mild weather but I am afraid winter is coming now.

With much love

Your mother

¹ Tom started in Chisholm's office on June 19, 1909, see W6460, W6458. Tom was somewhat reluctant to settle down in Hamilton. He wrote to Cal: "If I did have the idea of going into politics I would have to consider where to settle down. It would be almost hopeless for a liberal to try to get elected in Toronto. I think I would stand a far better chance in Hamilton, but then I could not afford to be a stranger there" (W8176, July 17, 1904).