There is plenty of time to think of that." "Perhaps.

But I doubt it.

At any rate I have less reason than most people to count on long life." Again Lucia looked up.

A cold, unspeakable terror filled her heart, and she tried to read the secret which her mother's calm face hid from her.
Mrs.Costello delayed no longer to tell her all the truth.
"Many months ago," she said, "I was convinced that the disease of which my mother died, had attacked me.

I suppose there might be some hereditary predisposition towards it, and too much thought and care brought it on.