I determined not to allow myself any fancies on the subject.

I sent for Doctor Hardy, and contrived to see him several times during the autumn without letting you suspect anything.

He could only acknowledge that I was right, and tell me to avoid excitement and fatigue.

You know how possible _that_ was.

And so this mischief has been going on fast, and the end may be nearer than even I think it is." Her voice faltered at the last words, and Lucia, who had listened to every one with the feeling that so many knives were being plunged through and through her heart, slipped down from her resting-place, and crouched on the floor, hiding her face and stifling the sobs that shook her whole body.