CHAPTER V. 



RETROSPECTION. 



As we close the record of Miss Herschel's residence 

 in England, we may pause for a moment to look back 

 over the space she had traversed while following, with 

 unvarying diligence and humility, the path her brother 

 marked out for her, first in blessed hourly companion- 

 ship, when she was as necessary in his home as in his 

 library, or among his instruments ; and latterly, when 

 with saddened heart but unflagging determination she 

 continued to work for him, but saw his domestic 

 happiness pass into other keeping. 



While they toiled together through those first ten 

 years of ever-deepening interest and marvellous acti- 

 vity, during which the rapid juxtaposition of mirror- 

 grinding, concerts, oratorios, music lessons,* and fre- 

 quent papers written for philosophical societies, almost 

 takes the breath away as we read, the brother had 

 abundant opportunity of learning how far he could 

 trust to his companion's readiness, as well as capability, 



* At this time W. Herschel frequently gave thirty-five and thirty-eight 

 lessons a week to lady pupils. 



