He starved himself, and grew weak, and fell ill.

This was three months ago, and then there was absolutely no food at all.

They made no complaint, spoke no word; but poor folk know.

The housewives of Batavia Road sent them food, but so respectable were the Cavillas that the food was sent anonymously, mysteriously, so as not to hurt their pride.
The thing had happened.

He had fought, and starved, and suffered for eighteen months.