I hoped for the best, but an examination this evening confirmed my fears." Mary sobbed bitterly and long.

Dr.Bryant sought not to comfort her by exciting false hopes, but paced up and down the gravel-walk beside her.
"You do not fear a rapid termination of the disorder ?" she said at last, in a low, trembling tone.
"He may linger some days, but I do not think it probable that he will." "Florry, Florry! what is to become of us ?" cried the weeping girl, in a voice of agony.

"Oh, God! spare him to us!" "Do you think your cousin comprehends her father's danger ?" "She fears the worst, and requested me this evening to ask your opinion.

Oh, how can I tell her that he must die!" "Do not crush all hope (though I have none); let her believe that he may recover.

She is not of a temperament to bear prolonged agony.
The shock will be less painful, rest assured.