The family were at dinner, and I was shown into the
drawing-room.
There was just the light of a coal fire, and as I stood before
it Sir John bustled in, an old man, much bent, with perfectly
white hair standing out every way. He reached both hands to me,
and said, "We had no letter and so did not expect you, but you
are always welcome in this house." Lady Herschel followed--very
noble looking; she does not look as old as I, but of course must
be; but English women, especially of her station, do not wear
out as we do, who are "Jacks at all trades."
I found a fire in my room, and a cup of tea and crackers were
immediately sent up.
The Herschels have several children; I have not seen Caroline,
Louise, William, and Alexander, but Belle, and Amelie, and
Marie, and Julie, and Rosa, and Francesca, and Constance, and
John are at home!
The children are not handsome, but are good-looking, and well
brought up of course, and highly educated. The children all come
to table, which is not common in England. Think what a table
they must set when the whole twelve are at home!
The first object that struck me in the house was Borden's map of
Massachusetts, hanging in the hall opposite the entrance. Over
the mantelpiece in the dining-room is a portrait of Sir William
Herschel. In the parlor is a portrait of Caroline Herschel, and
busts of Sir William, Sir John, and the eldest daughter.
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