Page:Once a Week, Series 1, Volume II Dec 1859 to June 1860.pdf/240

10, 1860.] cell thus roofed, the larger angle in each rhombus of the triple ceiling must exactly equal 109 degrees.

In the choice of this angle great latitude might have been allowed to these little architects, had the questions of arrangement and convenience been the only ones to be considered. But their supply of material being limited, it was absolutely necessary to ascertain even the fractional parts of a degree in the required angle, in order that the largest possible space might be enclosed with a given amount of wax.

I am not aware that this wonderful and minute accuracy in the construction of the cells of bees has been noticed by others. At all events, it solves a curious and interesting problem, and as such is submitted to the consideration of the mathematician. A. A. M. & E. J.

was introduced to all the party with formal courtesy by our mutual friend Lamb. I couldn’t help thinking that Mrs. Barber soared a little too high into the empyrean—flapped her dove’s pinions a little too hard—put on, in fact, a trifle too much of the angel for the occasion. She avoided and yet courted the learned civilian’s glance—she made place for him by her side, and yet produced an effect as though Lamb had put a chair there, and forced the Doctor into it. There was such sweet confusion in her downward glance—so melting an appeal for protection in her candid blue eyes—that Dodge must have been a brute indeed to have resisted it. Mrs. Barber had evidently thrown Lamb overboard for the moment, and appointed Dodge “Guardian Angel in Ordinary.”

My friend Lamb did not appear in the least put out by this sudden revolution in the feelings of his client—nay, he seemed rather to regard her with increased admiration. For myself I confess that although the suspicion suggested above did cross my mind for a moment when Mrs. Barber was placing Dr. Dodge in solution—one playful glance which she cast my way when the professional gentlemen turned round to look for some papers on the table brought me down like a struck pheasant, and quite reassured me as to her perfect sincerity.

After all—poor thing—what could she do? It must be heartbreaking indeed for an injured lady to be compelled to bare her tender breast to the gaze of two unfeeling professional men; to be examined as to the innocent endearments which she had lavished upon a wretch unworthy of the possession of such a treasure; nay—far worse, to have to tell how she was repelled with scorn by the brute when she had glided down to his side with healing on her wings. Oh! to be obliged, for her dear child’s sake, to claim the protection of the law against the father of that blessed child—her own, too—fondly adored—idolised husband—the lover whose vows had sounded so honey-sweet in her virgin ears. But now! she who would have given her own life for his a thousand times—must tell the world what manner of man he really was! Oh! oh! oh!

I confess that, at this moment, the thought occurred to me that it would be well if I broke through the indolence in which I had been wasting too many years of my life. What if I should blaze into practice before Sir C. C, and carry balm and consolation to many a bleeding heart? Flora would, I am sure, approve of the idea, and I felt convinced that I could do the work better than—by Jove! Mrs. Barber is fluttering round him again—that beast, Dodge. How can Lamb employ such a fellow!

“We were speaking, Doctor Dodge, when you came in,” said Lamb, “of a particular incident in this distressing case? I mean the conduct of Mr. Barber, at Brussels.”

“Yes, you allude, Mr. Lamb, I presume, to the severance or abscission, or curtailment, of Mrs. Barber’s hair. When I was drawing the