ature stage, Charles-Norton appeared for a moment in undignified
pantomime. Leaning over the shining rail, chin thrust out, he shook both
fists at the receding city, and spit into its face.

CHAPTER VIII

Charles-Norton's letter came to Dolly in the evening, after a day full
of worry. It read:

"DEAR DOLLY:--Enclosed is $480. It's for you. I'm going
away. I simply can't stand it, that's all. I think I
still love you, Dolly, but I can't stand the life. I
can't, that's all. I must have, I must have--well, I
can't stand that clipping business any longer.

"Please don't grieve. Some day you'll meet a man who is
real fond of you and who will make you happy--one that
hasn't any wings. There are lots of them.

"Yours always (in thought),
"CHARLES-NORTON."

"P.S.--Please don't feel too bad about this.

"C.N."

At the reading of this tactful epistle, Dolly, of course, immediately
burst out into hysterics. These shall remain undescribed here. There is
something mysterious about hysteria which paralyzes the pen. Not the
least mysterious thing about it is the fact that the word, pronounced in
an assembly of men and women, will simultaneously call up haggard lines
on the faces of the men and cooing sniggles in the throats of the ladies.

Anyway, poor little Dolly had it bad all that night, and all the next
day, and all the next night. By the morning of the second day, it had
passed to a lamentable wandering to and fro within the cage-like
apartment, with disordered garments and unkempt hair, through which eyes
shone with a glint of madness. By the afternoon of the same day, it was
taking some interest in its reflection as it passed the several mirrors
in its ceaseless pacing. The reflection reminded of Ophelia. Finally,
when in the evening it caught itself nibbling cracker and cheese in the
upset kitchen, it realized that it needed new stimulus. It telegraphed
for Dolly's Boston aunt.

The calculation proved correct. When, twelve hours later, the Boston
aunt pressed the button at the landing, she found herself almost
immediately tackled around the neck, while a shriek pierced her right
ear. This was followed by a palpitant hugging, from the folds of which
emerged vague, bubbling sounds. The aunt bore the demonstration with
stoicism and with a certain reservation of self. She was very much unlike
D