[Cheltenham—Saturday, 30 July 1859]
Saturday 30th Morning cool and refreshing as English mornings so often are after a shower. Went with Jamie and Mr Dobell to Sudeley Castle, built before the time of Henry the VIIIth I was only too sorry to leave Mrs Dobell at home but she was so cheerful about it, it was hard to realize her many disappointments in this way. We were late home to dinner finding our path strewn with attractions. We shall never forget this morning or the wonderfully varied flow natural clear and reviving of Dobell’s conversation. Dear Jamie seemed so happy, it was really hard parting. Dobell came to the bottom of the hill with us and we left them both thinking what a beneficent Providence it was had given us these most lovely, most congenial friends. Stopped on our way to the hotel to say good bye—that hard word, to Captain and Mrs Robertson. Dear old people, while we live, and they live it shall be our continual aim and desire to make their lives less lonely. They loaded us with tokens at parting.
That night we drove to Evesham. Quite tired.
