"You are not well, Kitty.

Perhaps, after all, there may be something--some explanation." In spite of all, however, Kitty was on the verge of the wildest hysterics.

Annie Grayson sniffed contemptuously at such weakness.
Drummond came over, an exasperating sneer on his face.

As he looked down he saw what Constance was doing, and she rose, so that all could see now.
"This girl," she said, speaking rapidly, "is afflicted with a nervous physical disorder, a mania, which is uncontrollable, and takes this outlet.

It is emotional insanity--not loss of control of the will, but perversion of the will." "Humph!" was Drummond's sole comment with a significant glance at the pile of goods on the table.
"It is not the articles themselves so much," went on Constance, following his glance, "as it is the pleasure, the excitement, the satisfaction--call it what you will--of taking them.