There were times when Ellen hoped she had been deceived, that Herbert had been deceived himself.

But Myrvin dared not hope; he was not with his friend as constantly as Ellen was, and almost every time he beheld him he fancied he perceived an alarming change.
About this time a malignant disease broke out in the neighbourhood of the Dart, whose awful ravages it appeared as if no medical aid was adequate to stop.

In Herbert Hamilton's parish the mortality was dreadful, and his duties were consequently increased, painfully to himself and alarmingly to his family.

A superhuman strength seemed, however, suddenly granted him.

Whole days, frequently whole nights, he spent in the cottages of the afflicted poor.