My strength is nothing like what it was, and at times it fails me in a most unaccountable manner.
Barbara, it breaks my heart to say it, but I doubt whether you ought to marry me." "If you were going to be a permanent invalid, which I do not believe for one moment," answered Barbara steadily, "you would want a nurse, and who could nurse you so well as your wife?
Therefore unless you had ceased to care for me, I should certainly marry you." Then, as still he seemed to hesitate, she flung her arms about him and kissed him, which was an argument that he lacked strength to resist.
A day or two afterwards her father also spoke to Barbara.
"I don't like this illness of Anthony's, my dear.

The doctor does not seem to understand it, or at any rate so he pretends, and says he has no doubt it will pass off.

But I cannot help remembering the case of his brother George; also that of his mother before him..

In short, Barbara, do you think--well, that it would be wise to marry him?
I know that to break it off would be dreadful, but, you see, health is so very important." Barbara turned on her father almost fiercely.
"Whose health ?" she asked.

"If you mean mine, it is in no danger; and if it were I should care nothing.