A very odious day. Rose at 4.30. Cloudy, but I thought I would try the day at Chillon. Could get no coffee till 6. Porter & gardener said, “rain all day.”

G. & I set off ― but it grew darker: ― I drew a little at Chillon, & then rain. So I went to the Castle, & saw it all, wh. was really worth doing. On returning ˇ[10.45] it poured torrents all the way, & we were wet through. ― Found, that owing to the change of weather, no one had gone away, so I had no room, & was all packed & comfortless. Changed, & at 1 dined at the table d’hôte, a process I detest. Worried & disgusted by the crowd & noise. Tried another Hotel but could get no rooms. Finally at 3, resolved to go, & ordered carriage to Lausanne, which I reached at 6. Hotel Gibbon, & quiet room.

Walked out with G., to the Signal. Very lovely scenery. Nice intelligent children. Wood of beech trees &c. Returned & supped. 2 Englishmen. ―

X
X

Unhinged & altogether upset.

I do not know what to do.

I dislike & hate the Chamouni journey yet do not wish to give it up. ― Then I would fain have good drawings of Chillon & the Vevey view: ― but had rather be at work at Hastings. Also, to take on George or not? ― I generally end by deciding no way at all, wh. considering the absurdly unimportant nature of life, is perhaps best.

[Transcribed by Marco Graziosi from Houghton Library, Harvard University, MS Eng. 797.3.]