December 21 + 

She is a fine sedative. Her movements are a pleasant adagio, her voice piano to pianissimo, her conversation breaks off in thrilling aposiopeses. + 

An awful comedy this morning⁠—for as soon as I was securely “gagged” the dentist went out of the room. She approached, leered at me helpless, and said provokingly, “Oh! you do look funny.” Minx. On returning he said to her, “Would you like to hold his hand?” + 

She: “Oh! not just now.” + 

And they grinned at one another and at me waiting to be tortured. + 