“On my part sundry profound reverences with now and then an ‘_Oh, monsieur!_’ or ‘_c’est trop d’honneur_,’ acquitted me so well, that the first harangue being finished, on the score of general and grand reputation, Eloge the second began, on the excellence with which ‘_cette célèbre demoiselle_’ spoke French! “This may surprise you, my dear friends; but you must consider M. de Lalande is a great _discoverer_. “Well, but had you seen Dr. Shepherd! he looked lost in sleek delight and wonder, that a person to whom he had introduced M. de Lalande should be an object for such fine speeches. “This gentleman’s figure, meanwhile, corresponds no better with his discourse than his scientific profession, for he is an ugly little wrinkled old man, with a fine showy waistcoat, rich lace ruffles, and the grimaces of a dentist. I believe he chose to display that a Frenchman of science could be also a man of gallantry. “I was seated between them, but the good doctor made no greater interruption to the florid professor than I did myself: he only grinned applause, with placid, but ineffable satisfaction. “Nothing therefore intervening, _Eloge_ the third followed, after a pause no longer than might be necessary for due admiration of _Eloge_ the second. This had for _sujet_ the fair female sex; how the ladies were now all improved; how they could write, and read, and spell; how a man nowadays might talk with them and be understood, and how delightful it was to see such pretty creatures turned rational! “And all this, of course, interspersed with particular observations and most pointed applications; nor was there in the whole string of compliments which made up the three _bouquets_, one single one amongst them that might have disgraced any _petit maître_ to utter, or any _petite maîtresse_ to hear. “The third being ended, a rather longer pause ensued. I believe he was dry, but I offered him no tea. I would not voluntarily be accessory to detaining such great personages from higher avocations. I wished him next to go and study the stars; from the moon he seemed so lately arrived there was little occasion for another journey. “I flatter myself he was of the same opinion, for the fourth _Eloge_ was all upon his unhappiness in tearing himself away from so much merit, and ended in as many bows as had accompanied his entrance. “I suppose, in going, he said, with a shrug, to the Canon, ‘_M. le Docteur, c’est bien gênant, mais il faut dire des jolies choses aux dames!_’ “He was going the next day to see Dr. Maskelyne’s[89] Observatory. Well! I have had him first in mine!”