The small daily vexations, the wear and tear of nerve tissue, the insufficient sleep and nourishment, the close confinement in the hospital atmosphere, the sights, sounds, odours, the excitement, the anxiety--all combine to distort reason and undermine one's natural equipoise.
"Phil, if Ailsa, in her own heart, doubts you as she now doubts Letty, you must understand why.

What she did shows her courage, her sweetness, her nobility.

What she may believe--or think she believes--is born only of morbid nerves, overworked body, and a crippled power of reasoning.

Her furlough is on the way; I did myself the honour to solicit it, and to interest Miss Dix in her behalf.

It is high time; the child cannot stand much more.