[Manchester—Friday, 22 September 1876]
Friday. We have had five days of rain and storm. Today is a perfect jewel—such atmosphere and light, such waves were seldom seen before even by the oldest inhabitant. Mr. J.P. Quincy and Hill Smith, the artist, came down for the day and night. Mrs Towne having broken her rib during the week we make a daily pilgrimage to inquire after her. Lizzy and Miss Burnap were with us during the rain and we were all cheerful enough—but this sunshine seems like a concentrated summer. All the afternoon we sat and sunned ourselves or I sat alone while Jamie drove. It was indeed most lovely.
