It
is a form of emotional insanity, not loss of control of the will,
but perversion of the will. Some are models in their lucid
intervals, but when the mania is on them they cannot resist. The
very act of taking constitutes the pleasure, not possession. One
must take into consideration many things, for such diseases as
kleptomania belong exclusively to civilisation; they are the
product of an age of sensationalism. Naturally enough, woman, with
her delicately balanced nervous organisation, is the first and
chief offender."
Kennedy had seated himself at the table and was writing hastily.
When he had finished, he held the papers in his hand to dry.
He handed one sheet each to Bentley and Donnelly. We crowded
about. Kennedy had simply written out two bills for the necklace
and the collar of pearls.
"Send them in to Mr. Willoughby," he added. "I think he will be
glad to pay them to hush up the scandal."
We looked at each other in amazement at the revelation.
"But what about Annie Grayson?" persisted Donnelly.
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