The Life of the Bee 
central stone. And one may mention 
here the curious fact that the workers 
always avoid turning their back on the 
queen. No sooner has she approached 
a group than they will invariably arrange 
themselves so as to face her with eyes and 
antennez, and to walk backwards before 
her. It is a token of respect, or of 
solicitude, that, unlikely as it may seem, 
is nevertheless constant and general. But 
to return to the queen. During the 
slight spasm that visibly accompanies the 
emission of an egg, one of her daughters 
will often throw her arms round her and 
appear to be whispering to her, brow 
pressed to brow and mouth to mouth. 
But the queen, in no wise disturbed by 
this somewhat bold demonstration, takes 
her time, tranquilly, calmly, wholly ab- 
sorbed by the mission that would seem 
amorous delight to her rather than labour. 
And after some seconds she will rise, very 
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