Swarmins;. 6i 



were darting backward and forward just at the mouth 

 of the hive, and the air was filled with a roaring 

 sound. But the attendants appeared to be quite 

 astonished. 



'■ We'll go and inquire, your majesty," they re- 

 plied. 



They did so, and, returning immediately, said, 

 "A few of your majesty's subjects are loitering 

 about near the entrance, your majesty; would your 

 majesty wish them to disperse? " 



" No matter," said the queen. " A few, did you 

 say I* 



" Well, more than 2. few, perhaps, your majesty," 

 replied the attendants, looking one at another ; 

 "more than difew." 



" Are there enough, do you think?" asked the 

 queen carelessly. " Are there as many as there 

 ought to be? " 



" There are enough for any thing, your majesty." 



" And the day, you say, is fine enough ? " 



" For any thing, your majesty." 



The excitement was becoming quite intense. 



The queen, after showing great restlessness and 

 indecision for several moments, suddenly grew calm, 

 and, standing in the center of the circle drawn 

 respectfully round her, gave a few shrill squeaks. 



