In her was seen personified modesty itself—not that of mere ignorance and shyness—but the modesty born of nobility of mind, wisdom, and purity. Mercia was devoted to her profession; and so great was her enthusiasm that for fully six months in each year she made her observations of the heavens all night long, snatching only an hour or two in the daytime for sleep. She had discovered with the aid of the powerful instrument that Geometrus, her chief assistant astronomer had invented, the existence of a number of new planets which revolved around one of the principal suns, hitherto unknown. The largest of these planets she named MERCIA, after herself; to its sun she gave the title of GEOMETRUS, in honour of the man she secretly loved, but dared not own it, not even to herself. It was a law, or rather, a regulation which was strictly enforced that no Astronomer to the Emperor might marry. When a candidate for the post, which was deemed as honourable as that of prime minister, was successful, he was aware of the conditions his acceptance entailed. He was required to take a solemn oath to give up all thought of love, or matrimony, and devote the whole of his time, thought, and talent to the fulfilment of his duties, and the furtherance of the science of Astronomy, generally. Astronomy, and Meteorology were considered by the nation such important branches of natural science, requiring in their pursuit so much self-denial that it was deemed an absolute necessity that whoever filled this important post should not be trammelled by the entanglements of love, nor ties of wedlock. For it was considered the uxoriousness of an affectionate husband, or wife, would while away the hours which otherwise would have been devoted to his, or her duties, these entailing long and severe rounds of night watchings. It is true Mercia possessed the power to give up her post and marry; but to break the solemn oath she had given her Sovereign and country, to her pure and honourable mind appeared monstrous. Besides, such a course would have been attended with serious consequences, for to a certainty almost, Geometrus would be requested to resign his position, and thus both would lose, not only lucrative and honourable appointments, but employment which each enthusiastically loved for its own sake. Geometrus was a tall, well-formed man of about thirty-five years; he stood in his soft leather shoes, which were formed exactly to the shape of the foot, at least six feet, two inches. His complexion was somewhat similar to that of Mercia, for his hair and whiskers were of a bright brown; his eyes were dark and deep set: his nose was large and straight, but that was the prevailing characteristic of this time; for the nose being indicative of character, developed greatly, keeping pace with the growth of brain-power of which it is the sign, and outward index. The mouth was firm, the lips being compressed, while the chin was prominent and broad.