The Herschels had returned to their new home, after a long and fatiguing day in Bristol. There had been not a little worry connected with the arrangements for the oratorio, the proper distribution of the parts, jealousies amongst the performers, and missing sheets of score. But Caroline Herschel immediately recommenced the arrangement of the new house, which a day's absence in Bristol had interrupted. The sorting of books and music, the instruction of Betty in her duties, with not a little scolding for the neglect of the work she had been left to get through during her mistress's absence. Mr. Herschel, after taking slight refreshment, went to his new observatory at the top of the house, and began to arrange all his instruments and draw a plan for the furnace, which he intended to make in the workshop below, where the tube for the great reflector was to be cast. A stand, too, for the large instrument would have to be carefully constructed, and William Herschel was in the midst of his calculations for this, and preparation of a plan to give the workmen early on the ensuing week, when a tap at the door announced Caroline. "William!" she said, "the sky is clear. Venus is shining gloriously. Can I help to arrange the telescope?" "Yes--yes," William Herschel said, going to the window and throwing it up. "Yes; lose no time, for it is getting on for morning." Presently Caroline said, as she looked out: "There is a chaise waiting at the end of the street, with post-horses." But her brother's eyes were directed upwards, and he scarcely noticed her remark. "Well," he said, "get the micrometer." Caroline's feminine curiosity was roused, and presently she saw a figure muffled in a long cloak glide down the street to the opening where the carriage stood. This was followed by another, and then, after some delay, the chariot drove off. Alexander Herschel did not generally take part in these nightly vigils, although he lent his assistance in the daytime in the workshop, and in the correspondence about the music, which was very frequently necessary. But about six o'clock Alexander appeared, and said: "Did you hear carriage-wheels roll off not long ago?" William Herschel did not answer. He had just brought a double star into the proper focus, and Caroline stood by with note-book and pencil, ready to write at his dictation. "Yes," she said, in a low voice; "I heard carriage-wheels. What of that?" "There is a rumour in the town that Leslie Travers is to fight a duel on Claverton Down--with that beast, Sir Maxwell Danby--this morning." "I do not believe it is true," Caroline answered. "Hush, Alex!" for William Herschel called out: "Write! Attend!" The necessary figures were jotted down, and then Caroline said: "Do you think Leslie Travers was going off in that carriage?" "I have no doubt of it. I shall follow and find out."