This was Griselda's opportunity. She went up to Miss Herschel and said:
"I want—I long to learn to play on some instrument. I could never sing like you, but I feel I could make the violin speak. Will you ask your brother if I may have lessons?"
Caroline Herschel was not a demonstrative person, and she said quietly:
"My brother will, no doubt, arrange to attend you. As you heard, Miss Mainwaring, we are soon to be involved in a removal to a house better suited to his purpose."
"But sure this is a charming room for music, and——"
"I was not then speaking of music, but of my brother's astronomical work."
"Ah! I had heard of that for the first time last night. It was you, sir"—turning to Mr. Travers—"who spoke of the wonders Mr. Herschel discovered in the sky. But where is Lady Betty? I must not linger," Griselda said, looking round the room, now nearly empty.
"Her ladyship has taken leave, I think. May I have the honour of seeing you to North Parade?"
"I thank you, sir; but I have a chair in attendance."
Mr. Travers bowed.