Imagine...

[RJNorton]

I think Dr. Patterson of Bellevue Place would agree, Laurie. In August, 1875, he wrote, "I am still unwilling to throw any obstacles in the way of giving her an opportunity to have a home with her sister. But I am willing to record the opinion that, such is the character of her malady, she will not be content to do this, and that the experiment, if made, will result only in giving the coveted opportunity to make extended rambles, to renew the indulgence of her purchasing mania, and other morbid mental manifestations..."

However, IMO, Dr. Patterson's prediction was wrong. From what I have read she did not do excessive shopping/purchases after her release (if memory serves me).