The rapid progress of the malady with which she was afflicted or blessed was plainly discernible since the last meeting with my friend, Sir John.

That is, it would have been plain to any one but John, whose ailment had taken a fatal turn and had progressed to the ante-mortem state of blindness.

By the help of the stimulating hope and fear which Dorothy's letter had brought to him, he had planned an elaborate conversation, and had determined to speak decisive words.

He hoped to receive from her the answer for which he longed; but his heart and breath seemed to have conspired with Dorothy to make intercommunication troublesome.
"I received your gracious letter, Mistress Vernon, and I thank you.

I was--I am--that is, my thanks are more than I--I can express." "So I see," said the girl, half amused at John's condition, although it was but little worse than her own.