A STUDENT IN YALE COLLEGE. 43 



contending for his dearest rights; and the result of the 

 whole was, that he should enjoy his opinions and I mine. 

 He thought that I was wrong, but I knew that he was. 

 Different persons will have different opinions, and, as long 

 as this is the case, should learn to respect, although we 

 cannot believe, the opinions of others. This is called, in 

 one word, candor. 



Jan. 7. After prayers I went to meeting; 



stayed until about seven, and went to Button's room, and 

 then, according to a previous appointment, we, together 



with Page, went to Mrs. W 's. Button introduced me 



with the usual ceremonies, and we took our seats. There 



were present Miss , two Misses , Miss , &c. 



We conversed upon what? ah! what, sure enough, 

 for I 'm sure I can't tell. Not a single useful observa- 

 tion have I heard this evening, but I have (I hope) made 

 some. And the torture of etiquette ! Stuck up like a wax 

 figure, I must sit ; first cross one leg, then the other ; 

 then thrust my hand into my jacket; then drag forth a 

 studied observation, or hear one equally sensible ; such 



as, " Mr. is a fine dancer." " Did you attend the last 



assembly ? " " Did you ever dance a cotillon ? Mr. Silli- 

 man, do sing ! " " Pray, excuse me, ma'am ! " " O no, sir. 

 Good singers always need urging." Such is the conver- 

 sation of great companies. I can see no pleasure in such 

 conversation. The chimney-corner is the place for me. 



Jan. 13. I arrived at home about noon. 



Found all friends well. I found my honofed mother sitting 

 alone in the parlor. Feeling very much fatigued, I lay 

 down soon after I came home, and slept for a considerable 

 time. I was much refreshed by my nap, and upon coming 

 down found Mr. Day, whom I was very glad to see. He 

 stayed until some time in the evening, and our conversa- 

 tion was principally upon the regulation of the interest of 

 money by law. 



Jan. 15. My time has this day been employed 



