I was prepared for this request, for I had noticed how his pets had been increasing in size and vivacity. However I did not want his pretty family of tame sparrows to be wiped out in the same manner as the flies and spiders. So I said I would see about it, and asked him if he would not rather have a cat than a kitten.

His eagerness betrayed him when he answered, "Oh, yes, I would like a cat! I only asked for a kitten because I thought you would not let me have a cat. No one would refuse me a kitten, would they?"

I shook my head, and said that at present I feared it would not be possible, but that I would see about it. His face fell, and I could see a warning of danger in it. He gave me a sudden fierce, sideways look which meant he wanted to kill something. The man might one day become a homicidal maniac. I shall see how badly he wants a cat, and will and see what happens next, then I shall know more.

10 pm. I have visited him again. He was sitting in a corner brooding. When I came in he threw himself on his knees before me. He begged me to let him have a cat, and said that his salvation depended upon it.

Vocabulary:

Vivacity: Here it means 'life and energy'
Betray: Give away a secret
Face fell: He suddenly looked sad
A homicidal maniac: An insane killer
Brooding: Thinking and getting upset
Salvation: The way someone is saved

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