The great hope for us is the hope that Mr.Aldersley may still be living.

In that event, I should feel no misgivings about the future.

Her marriage would make a healthy and a happy woman of her.

But as things are, I own I dread that settled conviction in her mind that Mr.Aldersley is dead, and that her own death is soon to follow.

In her present state of health this idea (haunting her as it certainly will night and day) will have its influence on her body as well as on her mind.