May 25 [1869] My dearest Ned I am afraid I was / crabby last night, but I didn't / mean to be, so pray forgive me, - / we seem to quarrel in speech now / sometimes, and sometimes I think / you find it hard to stand me, / and no great wonder for I am like / a hedgehog with nastiness - but / again forgive me for I can't on / ant terms do without you. / Yours William