I heard the distinct whoop-whoop of the police siren behind us.

The parameter of the principal axis of a conic section is called the latus rectum.

Would they want me to vote my conscience or would they want us to unanimously go the whole nine yards, declare him sane and possibly have the trial end up in a death sentence?

I thought the last act was rather dull, said Maud. Then you're just as bad. You are blasée, darling: I think most people are blasés. That I can't understand. Nobody who has a plan should be blasé. And as long as one has any interest in life one has a plan. I have several.