CAVENDISH, 2^ 



being parsimonious, these habits had become engrafted in his 

 system ; and after indulging in the purchase of books and 

 instruments to the extent of his fullest wishes, he still found 

 that the interest of money accumulated faster than he could 

 spend it. He therefore presented an example of that very 

 rare phenomenon a man whose pecuniary means were so 

 large as to be troublesome. A curious instance of one of 

 these singular troubles is as follows. 



On one occasion, his bankers in the City finding that a 

 very large sum of money had accumulated in their tills to 

 his account, and thinking that it had better not lie idly there, 

 determined to wait on him and receive his instructions in the 

 matter. 



Accordingly, one of the principals hied away to Clapham 

 with the intention of seeking our philosopher in his lair. 

 Tliat was no such easy matter ; for once committed to the 

 recesses of his den, Henry Cavendish never liked to be 

 disturbed. 



The banker knocked ; the subject of his visit was deli- 

 cate ; it of course could only be communicated personally. 



To the interrogatories of the footman as to who he was r 

 and what his desires might be, the only answer was that 

 he wished personally to communicate with Mr. Cavendish. 



' At any rate, sir,' replied the footman, 6 it would be as- 

 much as my place is worth to disturb him now. You must 

 wait until he rings his bell.' 



The banker had waited for more than an hour when the 

 long-expected J)ell rang. The footman announced the man of 

 business. 



'What does he want with me?' Cavendish was heard 

 to say. 



The footman explained the banker's desire to have a per- 

 sonal interview. 



'Tell him I cannot see him. I am very busy,' was the 

 reply. 



