I arose in the morning feeling refreshed and strengthened but still somewhat low spirited. The weather was fine and though our boat had not made very uncommon progress, we were paid for it by the quiet off Point Judith. There is a tendency in the spirits of the young to elasticity which supports them when they would otherwise sink. I fell into Conversation with a gentleman on board whom I did not know, upon miscellaneous subjects and in this manner time slipped away until I found myself at Providence. John Thomas was in waiting for me, and expecting others who did not come, but I could not find leisure to explain what appeared exceedingly mysterious to him. I started directly on my return and stopping only at Walpole to dine and rest the horses, found myself again at Quincy at eight o’clock in the evening. My father came out with a smiling face to meet disappointment, deep and severe. I talked to him privately, explained to him my motives and feelings, but coldly, compared to my experience, and the scene was not present to enforce the truth of my words. He was much affected and slowly gave in to my conclusion though not very willingly. I could do nothing more so went to bed, tired and dull enough.