was during his absence at this time that the three following letters
were written and received:

"DEAR LINA:--

"I have had an audience of His Majesty this morning, and met with a
very gracious reception. I presented him with the drawing of the
solar system, and had the honor of explaining it to him and the
queen. My telescope is in three weeks' time to go to Richmond, and
meanwhile to be put up at Greenwich, where I shall accordingly carry
it to-day. So you see, LINA, that you must not think of seeing me in
less than a month. I shall write to Miss LEE myself; and other
scholars who inquire for me, you may tell that I cannot wait on them
till His Majesty shall be pleased to give me leave to return, or
rather to dismiss me, for till then I must attend. I will also write
to Mr. PALMER to acquaint him with it.

"I am in a great hurry, therefore can write no more at present.
Tell ALEXANDER that everything looks very likely as if I were to stay
here. The king inquired after him, and after my great speculum. He
also gave me leave to come to hear the GRIESBACHS play at the
private concert which he has every evening. My having seen the king
need not be kept a secret, but about my staying here it will be best
not to say anything, but only that I must remain here till His
Majesty has observed the planets with my telescope.

"Yesterday I dined with Colonel WALSH, who inquired after you. There
were Mr. AUBERT and Dr. MASKELYNE. Dr. MASKELYNE in public declared
his obligations to me for having introduced to them the high powers,
for Mr. AUBERT has so much succeeded with them that he says he looks
down upon 200, 300, or 400 with contempt, and immediately begins
with 800. He has used 2,500 very completely, and seen my fine double
stars with them. All my papers are printing, with the postscript and
all, and are allowed to be very valuable. You see, LINA, I tell you
all these things. You know vanity is not my foible, therefore I need
not fear your censure. Farewell.

"I am, your affectionate brother,

"WM. HERSCHEL.

"Saturday Morning,

"probably _May 25, 1782_."

TO MISS HERSCHEL.

"Monday Evening, _June 3, 1782._

"DEAR LINA:--

"I pass my time between Greenwich a