[Manchester—Friday, 22 July 1870]
Friday 21st [sic]. The days pass swiftly. The winds play in the leaves outside my window and the fresh bright air this morning gives a new glory to the earth. Such a happy earth to the young, such a cheerful earth to the dying, such a sweet tender earth to those who mourn. Miss Hogarth writes they are about to leave Gad’s Hill!! This is indeed a terrible wrench for them. Jamie rejoices in the rest of the water-excursions. He has gone, today, sailing from Gloucester. A feeling comes to me of the shortness of life and yet “how long O Lord” cry those who grieve. But I am happy and shall make others happier I believe. Sometimes I fail wretchedly however being but a reed after all.
