He had not returned till near six in the morning, and then was so deadly pale and seemed so exhausted that she insisted on his keeping to his bed till she could get medical advice.
The doctors feared that he had been attacked by some strange form of malarial fever, and said he needed much care.

Our anxiety was, however, at least temporarily relieved by the receipt of later tidings which spoke of John's recovery; but November drew to a close without any definite mention of their return having reached us.
That month is always, I think, a dreary one in the country.

It has neither the brilliant tints of October, nor the cosy jollity of mid-winter with its Christmas joys to alleviate it.

This year it was more gloomy than usual.

Incessant rain had marked its close, and the Roy, a little brook which skirted the gardens not far from the house, had swollen to unusual proportions.