DALTON. 45 



thermometers, and hygrometers, he opens a book. He now 

 enters particulars of temperature, atmospheric moisture, and 

 barometric height, like a philosophic painstaking observer. He 

 does not work like one unacquainted with his tools. He is an 

 adept. Looking at the barometric mercury, for instance, no 

 chronicling of mere inches, or quarters, or even eighths of 

 inches serves his turn. He estimates the variation from yes- 

 terday by a Vernier scale, as an accurate philosopher would 

 have done. He compares the barometers one with another, 

 and finding that the mercury contained in one stands lower 

 than the mercury of the others, he says (for he appears to be 

 in the habit of talking to himself), <Bad, bad !' Then referring 

 to a memorandum-book in which the date of the construction 

 of that barometer stands recorded, he finds the tube was 

 neither dried nor was the mercury boiled. He makes a note 

 of these facts. If the Professor's servant be thus wise, how 

 much wiser must the Professor himself be ! 



A knock a double knock ! Does the Professor come at 

 last ? The lantern-bearer opened the door without delay, and 

 an old gentleman entered. His face was radiant with joy, 

 and he seemed to be out of breath. The lantern-bearer had 

 no time to say a word, before the stranger seized him raptur- 

 ously by the hand, and shook it heartily. * Friend,' said he, 

 * I bring you good news. Good-morning, DOCTOR Dalton' 



The lantern-bearer opened his eyes as if arousing from a 

 reverie, but he made no remark ; his ideas were apparently in 

 another channel. 



6 Good-morning, Doctor Dalton,' repeated the stranger, 

 laying peculiar stress on the word 6 doctor.' 



If his object had been to surprise the lantern-bearer he 

 was disappointed. The word ' doctor,' though strongly em- 

 phasised, seemed to have made no impression. The lantern- 

 bearer was apparently thinking too much about his barometers, 

 for, having bid his friend good-morrow, he turned towards his 

 instruments again. 



