[Boston—Tuesday, 8 October 1867]
Tuesday hearing mother say last night she could only stay until tomorrow, I jumped up early and told my servants they must stay till Wednesday, then gathered my thoughts together for the day. After a little business in the morning we all four separated until afternoon when we expected Louisa & Mr Beal. Suddenly at 11 the steamer was telegraphed, to be up at 12 thus making the trip from Halifax in 26 hours. J. & I took a carriage & drove in search of mother & Sarah. We could only find the latter but catching her up drove rapidly to the steamer arriving just in season to see her warped up to the wharf. What kissing and crying and wild excitement went forward then. Ah me! What a scene and how terrible to think of the short-sightedness with wh. people tear themselves from their beloved to cross the wild seas for what is called pleasure and profit.
In the evening drove round to L’s with mother & S.
