It is always the same shape, only very numerous. 

 And it is like a woman stooping down and creeping about behind that pattern. I don’t like it a bit. I wonder—I begin to think—I wish John would take me away from here! 

 It is so hard to talk with John about my case, because he is so wise, and because he loves me so. 

 But I tried it last night. 

 It was moonlight. The moon shines in all around, just as the sun does. 

 I hate to see it sometimes, it creeps so slowly, and always comes in by one window or another. 

 John was asleep and I hated to waken him, so I kept still and watched the moonlight on that undulating wallpaper till I felt creepy. 

 The faint figure behind seemed to shake the pattern, just as if she wanted to get out. 

 I got up softly and went to feel and see if the paper did move, and when I came back John was awake. 

 “What is it, little girl?” he said. “Don’t go walking about like that—you’ll get cold.” 

 I thought it was a good time to talk, so I told him that I really was not gaining here, and that I wished he would take me away. 

 “Why darling!” said he, “our lease will be up in three weeks, and I can’t see how to leave before. 

 “The repairs are not done at home, and I cannot possibly leave town just now. Of course if you were in any danger I could and would, but you really are better, dear, whether you can see it or not. I am a doctor, dear, and I know. You are gaining flesh and color, your appetite is better. I feel really much easier about you.” 

 “I don’t weigh a bit more,” said I, “nor as much; and my appetite may be better in the evening, when you are here, but it is worse in the morning when you are away.” 

 “Bless her little heart!” said he with a big hug; “she shall be as sick as she pleases! But now let’s improve the shining hours by going to sleep, and talk about it in the morning!” 

 “And you won’t go away?” I asked gloomily. 

 “Why, how can I, dear? It is only three weeks more and then we will take a nice little trip of a 

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