I can't stand it.

Instead of soothing me it excites me to the verge of madness.

I'm almost over the verge--for want of sleep--my trouble ever since the trouble." Again I was speaking the literal truth, and again congratulating myself as though it were a lie: the fellow looked so distressed at my state; indeed I believe that his distress was as genuine as mine, and his sentiments as involved.

He took my hand again, and his brow wrinkled at its heat.

He asked for the other hand to feel my pulse.