“And then worse again, always worse. I want it ended. Give me something.”
“Oh! God! I can’t bear this. Margaret!”
“Don’t call me Margaret. My name is Jane. What is that stuff that criminals take in the dock? Italian poisoners keep it in a ring. I see one now, with pointed beard, melancholy eyes, a great ruby in the ring. Is anything the matter with my eyes? I can’t see.”
“Shut them. Be perfectly quiet. The Italian poisoner will pass.”
“You will give me something?”
“Not this time.”
I must have slept. When I woke he was still there. I was very comfortable and pleased to see him. “Why am I not asleep?”
“You are, but you don’t know it.”
“You won’t tell Ella?”
“Not unless you wish it.”