Many poor creatures became half demented by terror, and scarcely knew what they said.

But enough was from time to time substantiated to prove how very terrible were the scenes which sometimes went on within these sealed abodes; and more than once some careless watchman or thieving and neglectful nurse had been whipped through the streets for misdemeanours brought home to them by the authorities.
But now things were growing too pressing for individual cases to attract much attention.

Do as men would to cope with the evil, the spread of the fell disease was something terrible to witness.

Up till quite recently, the cases in the southern and eastern parishes and within the city walls had been few as compared with those in the north and west; but now the scourge seemed to have fallen upon the city itself, and the resources of the authorities were taxed to the uttermost.
The Harmer family welcomed back Dinah with joy; but when they heard of Gertrude's resolve, they looked grave and awed.

Then Janet stepped forward suddenly, and addressing her father, said: "Dear father, what Gertrude has desired for herself is nothing less than what I myself have often wished.