I picked the insect up absent-mindedly, and began to play with it.

Lola's voice from the bed startled me and caused me to drop the mantis.

She spoke hoarsely.
"Tell me--what are they going to do with him ?" I turned round.

She had raised a crushed face from the pillows, and looked at me haggardly.

I noticed a carafe of brandy and a siphon by the bedside.