Some of this, indeed, she had been obliged to relinquish.

During the past few months her cheeks had become hollow, and her cough was now frequent by day, as well as by night.

She had consulted an English doctor, who, she saw by the paper, was staying at Shepherd's Hotel.

He had hesitated before giving a direct opinion, but on her imploring him to tell her the exact state of her health, said gently: "I am afraid, madam, that I can give you no hope of recovery.

One lung has already gone, the other is very seriously diseased.