She smiled bitterly.

“Yes,” she said. “That’s it. I’m lost in the darkness, outside the circle of lamplight!”

“This chair—”

“I’m speaking figuratively, doctor. I’m in such trouble. I wish I were dead!”

Reluctantly, but in duty bound, he said:

“Tell me about it.”

She began to weep again.

“You’re the only one I can tell. You showed such an interest in me the other day. You cared, didn’t you?”

“Yes, certainly I did; but please don’t cry.”

“Oh, dear doctor, it is your own great trouble that makes you so sympathetic to others, I am sure!”