too, I was initiated into the habits of the mosquitos who all day long
poised themselves tremblingly, by means of their long legs, upon the
leaves. And often I concentrated all my attention upon the old wall
where the insects acted out their tragical drama: the cunning spider
would come suddenly from his nook and ensnare in his web the heedless
little insects,--with the aid of a straw, I was usually able to deliver
them from their peril.

I have forgotten to mention that I had, for companion, an old cat called
Suprematie, who had been my faithful and beloved friend since infancy.

Suprematie knew at what hour he would find me there, and he used to slip
in quietly upon the tips of his velvet paws; he never stretched himself
beside me without first looking at me questioningly.

The poor creature was very homely; he was marked queerly upon only one
side of his body; moreover, in a cruel accident he had twisted his
tail, and it hung down at a right angle. He was the subject of Lucette's
continual mockery, for she had a lovely Angora cat that had usurped
Suprematie's place in her affections. It was my habit to run out to see
her when she came to inquire after the members of my family; she rarely
failed to add, with a funny air of concern, which made me burst out
laughing in spite of myself: "And your horror of a cat, is he in good
health, my dear?"




CHAPTER XXXII.