[Manchester—Monday, 31 August 1868]
August 31st The last day of summer. The morning was shrouded in cool silvery mist, but while I walked along the beach the sun looked out and when I turned into the field and orchard I found everything touched with gold by his heavenly alchemy. I longed to pass the day gazing about in that wondrous place; but I had promised alas! to sit for my picture, so came home and devoted myself to Miss Greene until J. returned and we all went to drive. The afternoon was perfect and I could not but recall the last day of summer two years ago which we passed with G.H. We went to Hamilton from here. I am sure she thought of it.
