The proof of I. 24, for example, is decidedly better and more satisfactory than the ordinary proof, and the introduction of the definition of “projection” certainly simplifies the cumbrous enunciations of II. 12 and 13.  Again, the alternative proof of II. 8, suggested in the Introduction, is valuable, and removes all excuse for omitting this proposition, as is commonly clone.

The figures used are from the blocks prepared for the late Mr. Todhunter’s well-known edition of Euclid, to which Mr. Dodgson’s manual forms an excellent stepping-stone.

At the beginning of 1883 he went up to town to see the collection of D. G. Rossetti’s pictures in the Burlington Gallery.  He was especially struck with “Found,” which he thus describes—­

A picture of a man finding, in the streets of London, a girl he had loved years before in the days of her innocence.  She is huddled up against the wall, dressed in gaudy colours, and trying to turn away her agonised face, while he, holding her wrists, is looking down with an expression of pain and pity, condemnation and love, which is one of the most marvellous things I have ever seen done in painting.

Jan. 27, 1883 [His birthday].—­I cannot say I feel much older at 51 than at 21!  Had my first “tasting-luncheon”; it seemed to give great satisfaction. [The object of the Curator’s “tasting-luncheon” was, of course, to give members of Common Room an opportunity of deciding what wines should be bought.]

March 15_th._—­Went up to town to fulfil my promise to Lucy A.—­:  to take her for her first visit to the theatre.  We got to the Lyceum in good time, and the play was capitally acted.  I had hinted to Beatrice (Miss Ellen Terry) how much she could add to Lucy’s pleasure by sending round a “carte” of herself; she sent a cabinet.  She is certainly an adept in giving gifts that gratify.

April 23_d_.—­Tried another long walk—­22 miles, to Besilsleigh, Fyfield, Kingston, Bagpuize, Frilford, Marcham, and Abingdon.  The last half of the way was in the face of wind, rain, snow, and hail.  Was too lame to go into Hall.

* * * * *

CHAPTER VI

(1883-1887)

“The Profits of Authorship”—­“Rhyme? and Reason?”—­The Common Room Cat—­Visit to Jersey—­Purity of elections—­Parliamentary Representation—­Various literary projects—­Letters to Miss E. Rix—­Being happy—­“A Tangled Tale”—­Religious arguments—­The “Alice” Operetta—­“Alice’s Adventures Underground”—­“The Game of Logic”—­Mr. Harry Furniss.

In 1883 Lewis Carroll was advised to make a stand against the heavy discount allowed by publishers to booksellers, and by booksellers to the public.  Accordingly the following notice began to appear in all his books:  “In selling Mr. Lewis Carroll’s books to the Trade, Messrs. Macmillan and Co. will abate 2d. in the shilling (no odd copies), and allow 5 per cent, discount within six months, and 10 per cent, for cash.  In selling them to the Public (for cash only) they will allow 10 per cent, discount.”