"Remember, dear, this was your idea, not mine, and if the experiment
fails that makes no difference to me." She bowed her head without
replying, and they went into the office. Madeline, trembling and deadly
pale, sat down in the operating chair, and her head was immovably secured
by padded clamps. She closed her eyes and put her hand in Henry's.

"Now," said the doctor to her, "fix your attention on the class of
memories which you wish destroyed; the electric current more readily
follows the fibres which are being excited by the present passage of
nervous force. Touch my arm when you find your thoughts somewhat
concentrated."

In a few moments she pressed the doctor's arm, and instantly the
murmurous, bubbling hum of the battery began. She, clasped Henry's hand a
little firmer, but made no other sign. The noise stopped. The doctor was
removing the clamps. She opened her eyes and closed them again drowsily.

"Oh, I'm so sleepy."

"You shall lie down and take a nap," said the doctor.

There was a little retiring-room connected with the office where there
was a sofa. No sooner had she laid her head on the pillow than she fell
asleep. The doctor and Henry remained in the operating office, the door
into the retiring-room being just ajar, so that they could hear her when
she awoke.