They contain a minute quantity of opium, it is true, but only sufficient to soothe the nerves.

No, those cigarettes are not responsible.

That peculiarity which you have recently begun to notice is due to quite another cause.

Surely you must have always known that she was different from other girls.

Have you never thought her excitable, even unaccountable in some of her actions?
Has she never told you of strange fancies, strange dreams?
And her restlessness, her odd whims, her insatiable craving for morbid horrors, have you never taken note of these ?" He spoke with deliberate emphasis, narrowly watching the effect of his words.
Olga's hands were gripped fast together; her wide eyes searched his face.
"Oh, tell me what you mean!" she entreated, a piteous quiver in her voice.