But the months went by and the landlord's agents gave no sign, and at last Smith realised that he was really going to leave.
Though he had so long talked of going, it came upon him like a thunderbolt.

It was like an attack of some violent fever that shakes a strong man and leaves him as weak as a child.

The farmer, whose meals had been so hearty, could not relish his food.

His breakfast dwindled to a pretence; his lunch fell off; his dinner grew less; his supper faded; his spirits and water, the old familiar 'nightcap,' did him no good.

His jolly ringing laugh was heard no more; from a thorough gossip he became taciturn, and barely opened his lips.