It was dreadful to see her thus agitated; and Alice, throwing her arms around her mother exclaimed, "What is it, dearest mother?
Be not look so deathlike.

I cannot bear to see you so." Oh! they speak falsely who say the certainty of evil can be better borne than suspense.

Watcher by the couch of suffering, sayest thou so?
Now thou knowest there is no hope, thy darling must be given up.

There is no mistaking that failing pulse, and that up-turned eye.

A few hours ago, there was suspense, but there was hope; death was feared, but not expected; his arm was outstretched, but the blow was not descending; now, there is no hope.
Mrs.Weston had long feared that all was not well with Alice--that while her promise was given to one, her heart had wandered to another; yet she dreaded to meet the appalling certainty; now with her there is no hope.