1841-42 
SEA-BATHING AT HEYSHAM 
197 
the stays went on under the shirt, and the drawers 
were put over the arms — as the Highlander served 
his first pair of breeches. Then pins were missing 
from collars and belts ; however, they all held 
together till we got home again, and mamma has 
the amusing task of setting matters to rights in the 
next room .... and listening to the lively account 
the young gentleman is giving of all that he has 
so wonderfully and boldly undergone on this first 
introduction to Neptune.’ 
Returning to the College of Surgeons on 
August 2, Owen found a message from Thomas 
Carlyle to say that he was anxious to make his 
Acquaintance. Accordingly, a week or two later, 
Owen made his way to Cheyne Row, Chelsea. 
After sending his name in by the servant, he was 
showm into a room where Carlyle was having tea. 
The ‘ tall man with great glittering eyes,’ as Car- 
lyle afterwards described him, made some general 
remarks, but as the servant had not given his 
name very clearly, Carlyle abruptly asked Owen 
^'ho he was. When he had modestly revealed 
himself and had talked for some time, Carlyle 
exhibited a good deal of interest, and expressed a 
desire to be shown over the museum of the College 
of Surgeons at an early opportunity. Accordingly, 
Ae next day he came early in the afternoon, bring- 
ing his brother with him, and they spent nearly 
*^hree hours in the museum looking at the speci- 
ntens which Owen described to them. 
