CHAPTER XI.
Maury's personal appearance and manners—Life in his family—The way he wrote his books—How he dressed in the morning—The nicknames he gave his children—How he taught his daughters round the breakfast-table—The borrowed book—The brass telescope—The trip to Europe and visit at Wrottesley Hall.
The personal appearance and habits of Commander Maury will have an interest for those who value his life-work and venerate his memory. Maury was a stout man, and about five feet six inches in height; he had a fresh, ruddy complexion, with curling brown hair, and clear, tender blue eyes. His massive head and strong neck surmounted broad and square shoulders, and a chest deep and full. His arms were long and strong, with hands small, soft, and beautifully formed—he was apt to use them in graceful gestures while conversing.
Every feature and lineament of his bright countenance bespoke intellect, kindliness, and force of character. His fine blue eyes beamed from under his broad forehead with thought and emotion, while his flexible mouth smiled with the pleasure of imparting to others the ideas which were ever welling up in his active brain. In early manhood his head was well covered with fine soft, wavy brown hair, which became thin before he reached middle age. Latterly, he was quite bald, as is shown in Valentine's fine bust, taken when he was sixty years old.
His conversation was enjoyed by all who ever met him; he listened and learned while he conversed, and adapted himself to every capacity. He especially delighted in the
