CHAP, vii.] Christmas in Hanover. 315 



SIR J. F. W. HERSCHEL TO MISS HERSCHEL. 



August 10, 1840. 



.... Did I ever tell you that I had lately brought 

 together the observations of four or five years, proving 

 beyond all doubt a Orionis to be both a variable and a 

 periodical star, and one of the most remarkable among 

 them ? Its period is about a year, and it changes in that 

 time from a lustre superior on some occasions even to 

 Rigel, to a degree of brightness nearly on a par with 

 Aldebaran. 



MISS HERSCHEL TO SIR JOHN HERSCHEL. 



Sept. 1, 1840. 



.... I owe you many thanks for relieving me two 

 whole days sooner from the anxiety of having been mis- 

 understood by you, and now I am happy, and all is well! 

 But there are times when I should like to have some talk 

 with you or my dear niece, to put you in mind of many past 

 events, but if you will excuse the style and the spelling, &c., 

 &c., on account of my eyesight being so uncertain, I will at 

 times try to amuse you with what passed in old times, for 

 my memory is as good as ever [this is in her ninety-first 

 year]. (N.B. Year of the past.) Writing this, puts me in 

 mind that I never could remember the multipli cation table r 

 but was obliged to carry always a copy of it about me. 



MISS HERSCHEL TO LADY HERSCHEL. 



Dec. 27, 1840. 



.... There is another circumstance on which 

 account I feel not very easy, which is that by leaving Slough 

 you are separated from all your usual friends, &c., doctors 

 and all ; but pray keep up your spirits, for the days are 

 already a cock's stride longer, and my windows have now 



