[Manchester—Wednesday, 15 July 1874]
Wednesday—the weather is warm and clear at last—beautiful soft summer weather—a fresh breeze comes in from the sea and the little alley of fog which I see from my window is inviting to hens & cocks if not to human feet this midsummer weather. All is peaceful and sweet save the spirit of our landlady which, between grief because of her maid and vexation with us for coming, is decidedly “on the rampage”. Really this temper of hers is a special providence to teach me how much we needed a house. Until we were forced out of the last corner I could not believe it.
