I am much obliged to you for the sheet of Schumacher’s Astronom. Nachrichten. It is highly interesting to me, and will set many a one right without offending anyone. On looking in the 2nd Catalogue of double stars, No. 104, ζ Böotes, VI. Class, November 29th, 1782, and 3rd Catalogue, No. 114, ζ Böotes, I. Class, April 5th, 1796, I cannot help thinking on the possibility that in the lapse of thirteen years and a half the small stars may have come out from behind the large one. But I beg do not laugh at me for breaking my head about these things, and I will now begin to talk about what I can comprehend.
1826. Mr. South.
From your mentioning Mr. South in your last letter, I fear he intends leaving England, at which I should be very sorry on your account, for if I should not live long enough to know you comfortably married, I could only console myself by your having always a Babbage, South, or Grahame to pass your social hours with. If you can meet with a good-natured, handsome, and sensible young lady, pray think of it, and do not wait till you are old and cross. And let me know in time that I may set hands to work to make the bridal robe; here are women who work exquisitely, and at a price within the reach of my purse.
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P.S.—Dear Nephew, I have spent too much time in gossiping with your dear mother for saying anything besides, but I am,
Your most sincere and affectionate aunt,
Car. Herschel.
MISS HERSCHEL TO J. F. W. HERSCHEL.
Hanover, Aug. 8, 1826.
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