It has had no part in their death; chance has favoured it, that is all.

In the centre of the pea, a wealthy solitude, it performs the duty of a grub; the sole duty of eating.

It nibbles the walls enclosing it, enlarging its lodgment, which is always entirely filled by its corpulent body.

It is well shaped, fat, and shining with health.

If I disturb it, it turns gently in its niche and sways its head.