Yet the worst was not in that disappointment, but in the discovery of her own weakness and self-deception.
Worn out by long-continued anxiety, excitement and sleeplessness, she was unfit to struggle with the creatures of her own imagination.

Such a strain could only end in a nervous crisis, and at length it came: "Oh, what a vile thing life is!" she cried, throwing up her arms with a gesture of helpless rage and despair.

"Oh, how I wish I were dead! how I wish the universe were annihilated!" and she flung herself down by Sybil's side in a frenzy of tears.
Sybil, who had watched all this exhibition in silence, waited quietly for the excitement to pass.

There was little to say.

She could only soothe.
After the paroxysm had exhausted itself Madeleine lay quiet for a time, until other thoughts began to disturb her.