"I don't know that I have ever mentioned it to you, but I have, for a long time, had a pain in my left breast, where I once had a gathering, and in which hard lumps have ever since remained. These have increased in size, of late, and I am now confirmed in my fears that a cancer is forming."
"Bless me!" And my visitor lifted both hands and eyes. "What kind of a pain is it?"
"A dull, aching pain, with occasional stitches running out from one spot, as if roots were forming."
"Just the very kind of pain that Mrs. N—had for some months before the doctors pronounced her affection cancer. You know Mrs. N—?"
"Not personally. I have heard of her."
"You know she had one of her breasts taken off?"
"Had she?" I asked, in a husky voice. I had horrible feelings.
"Oh, yes!" My visitor spoke with animation.
"She had an operation performed about six months ago. It was dreadful! Poor soul!"
My blood fairly curdled; but my visitor did not notice the effect of her words.