Maurice and Josée (April 25)

Violette’s eldest son Maurice, no older than Hank, was already becoming the man of their summer family. He saw to it that his mother’s directions for watering or weeding were not neglected. And if a squabble broke out, he was instantly there. At the same time, Josée, his twin sister, had her own gift for intervening with almost maternal authority. Even so, like her mother, she allowed Maurice to take the lead. In common with Violette, she appeared to regard the world with a combination of tolerance and amusement. Yet as mature as her pose might be, Josée seemed perpetually on the verge of some prank or other. Hank knew enough to be cautious.

“It doesn’t matter what she does, you always think you’re going to get in trouble.”

So, Violette was a happy woman. She must have been confident that if Maurice would one day become another Antek, her daughter would surely grow into a replica of herself.

(Page 78)

(Illustration generated by AI)