Page:Dale - A Marriage Below Zero.djvu/175

Rh I threw myself back in my chair and laughed until the tears rolled down my face. I felt the acutest anguish—and still I laughed. My heart was harrowed by this man's neglect and contempt—and still I laughed. I could not help it. I suppose it was a physiological peculiarity.

Finally I covered my face in my hands and sobbed convulsively.

"Elsie," cried Arthur in the greatest alarm, "you are ill. What is the matter? I" (rising) "will go for Dr. White."

He wanted to get out of the room. If he did, I should see him no more that day. He reckoned without his host.

"I want no doctor," I declared, rising and standing with my back to the door, all hysteria vanished. "If I do, James shall go, and you can remain here with me. I—I know you will like that."

Again I laughed long and passionately. I was becoming exhausted by this most exhausting emotion. Great goodness! I must make an effort. Here the minutes were slipping quickly