5 September 1887 – 11 September 1887

Poynton. H. and I in pony-cart to Prestbury, then she to white cottage on Macclesfield Road, where she puts up and paints. I into Prestbury, church and old chapel. In the street, one hen visible. Strange and beautiful little old house — knock. Young woman shows me into house — poor inside ; bed-room (her father's and her own) windows shut, bed-clothes only turned down a little on rising, and so left. Other half of house — ' Can I get in ? — will you ask ^ ' ' Well, she's rather strange, you'd better ask her yourself.' I knock — 'Who's that.? — well, you can come in.' I found a woman, not very old, but worn and wild looking : toothless, unkempt, no gown on, sitting by wretched fireplace, of which she began to complain — - ' smoke, soot, rain through roof. Agent won't do anything —rent £^, taxes los. (other half the same). Her husband left her years ago — not a good man ; doesn't know is he living or dead — went to Westmore- land. Son a sailor — sent her £1 ^ month last year. Daughter married in London, — ' that's like her ' (coloured engraving on wall). ' Don't people want to see the old house .' ' ' Ay, they looks in — but you're the first this summer that's given me anything.' There she lives alone, not friends even with her next neighbours — capable of sharp words, doubtless. Poor woman — many a one sketches the outside of this beautiful ancient House when she is crouching by the dull fire within, thinking of — what ,? I went up the broken and almost dangerous stairs to the roof — the rooms were empty ; some dusty papers lay in a corner, one showing its title in bold print — Glad Tidings ; on the wall hung an old coat and waistcoat — her husband's ^ Outside, the sun shone on the pretty village street and its trees. I found a path to where Helen was painting ; settled plans, she to drive back. Then by path to station, and train to Manchester. Cab to Exchange, get in and see Madox Brown's Frescoes, which look well. Owens College about 5.30.

Fine; garden — brook (wild angelica about 12 feet high), shady dark paths, bridge. H. painting apple-tree from field ; Mrs. Turner drives us to Bramhall, to call on Mr. and Mrs. Nevill — fine old timber mansion, on rising ground. We are shown round — plans, restorations, old wall paintings, Japanese work.

Drive to Stockport station with Mrs. Turner — good-bye.