In the Same Boat
(1911)
'A throbbing vein,' said Dr. Gilbert soothingly, 'is the mother of delusion.'
'Then how do you account for my knowing when the thing is due?' Conroy's voice rose almost to a break.
'Of course, but you should have consulted a doctor before using—palliatives.'
'It was driving me mad. And now I can't give them up.'
''Not so bad as that! One doesn't form fatal habits at twenty-five. Think again. Were you ever frightened as a child?'
'I don't remember. It began when I was a boy.'
'With or without the spasm? By the way, do you mind describing the spasm again?'
'Well,' said Conroy, twisting in the chair, 'I'm no musician, but suppose you were a violin-string—vibrating—and some one put his finger on you? As if a finger were put on the naked soul! Awful!'
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