The boy remained as dismal as a hearse.

She began to assist the water with a slim oatmeal diet and blister-plasters.

She calculated his capacity as she would a jug's, and filled him up every day with quack cure-alls.
Tom had become indifferent to persecution by this time.

This phase filled the old lady's heart with consternation.

This indifference must be broken up at any cost.