Page:Memoir and correspondence of Caroline Herschel (1876).djvu/162

138 my brother was obliged to consent to be put to bed, leaving no hope ever to see him rise again. For ten days and nights we remained in the most heartrending situation till the 25th of August, when not one comfort was left to me but that of retiring to the chamber of death, there to ruminate without interruption on my isolated situation. Of this last solace I was robbed on the 7th September, when the dear remains were consigned to the grave.

Sept. 9th.—I returned to my house and began selecting the books and clothing I should want to take with me to Hanover, where I thought it best to go with the Michaelmas messenger.

Sept. 27th.—I had disposed of my furniture, partly by presents and partly by sale; and after settling with my landlord, &c., I left my house for Lady Herschel's, to remain there till business should call her and my nephew to town.

Oct. 3rd.—My friends as well as myself were made easy by the arrival of my brother Dietrich, who came to fetch me.

Oct. 7th.—I took leave of Princess Augusta and all my friends and connections in Windsor.

Oct. 10th.—At 9 in the morning I left Slough with my brother D. Lady H. and my nephew followed the next day. Oct. 14th.—Princess Sophia Mathilda sent her carriage for me to spend the day with her at Blackheath.

Oct. 16th.—I went with my brother to Mortlake to take leave of Baron Best and family; and thence we directly proceeded to Bedford Place, where all my friends were assembled, among whom I had the comfort of seeing once more my nephew's friend, and the favourite of my dear departed brother, Mr. Babbage. He had only that day arrived from