By this time she knew that, when he asked questions, took notes and was professionally exact, he had ceased to think of Robin merely as a patient.

She had touched him in some unusual way which had drawn him within the circle of her innocent woe.

He was under the spell of her pathetic youngness which made Dowie herself feel as if they were watching over a child called upon to bear something it was unnatural for a child to endure.
"It won't stop," she said obstinately, but she lost her ruddy colour because she was not sure.
But after the sewing began there grew up within her a sort of courage.
A girl whose material embodiment has melted away until she has worn the aspect of a wraith is not restored to normal bloom in a week.

But what Dowie seemed to see was the lamp of life relighted and the first flickering flame strengthening to a glow.

The hands which fitted together on the table in the Tower room delicate puzzles in bits of lawn and paper, did not in these days tremble with weakness.