Hysteria

1917

As she laughed I was aware of becoming involved in her laughter and
being part of it, until her teeth were only accidental stars with a talent
for squad drill. I was drawn in by short gaps, inhaled at each momen-
tary recovery, lost finally in the dark caverns of her throat, bruised by
the ripple of unseen muscles. An elderly waiter with trembling hands
was hurriedly spreading a pink and hwite checked cloth over the rusty
green iron table, saying: 'If the lady and gentleman wish to take their
tea in the garden...' I decided that if the shaking of her breasts could be stopped some of the fragments of the afternoon might be collected, and I concentrated my attention with careful subtlety to this end.