Page:Sir William Herschel, his life and works (1881).djvu/124

102 so unassuming with his great knowledge, so willing to dispense it to the ignorant, and so cheerful and easy in his general manners, that, were he no genius, it would be, impossible not to remark him as a pleasing and sensible man."

"1788, October 3d.—We returned to Windsor at noon, and Mrs. sent me a most pressing invitation to tea and to hear a little music. Two young ladies were to perform at her house in a little concert. Dr.  was there, and accompanied them very sweetly on the violin; his new-married wife was with him, and his sister. His wife seems good-natured; she was rich, too! and astronomers are as able as other men to discern that gold can glitter as well as stars."

"September 28, 1798. "*****

"I drove through Slough in order to ask at Dr. door when my visit would be least inconvenient to him—that night or next morning. The good soul was at dinner, but came to the door himself, to press me to alight immediately and partake of his family repast; and this he did so heartily that I could not resist.

"I expected (not knowing that was