The good doctor still spoke hopefully; attributing the symptoms to fatigue after the journey.

But, as the days followed each other, his medical visits were paid at shorter intervals.

The mother noticed that his pleasant face became grave and anxious, and implored him to tell her the truth.
The truth was told in two dreadful words: "Typhoid Fever." A day or two later, the doctor spoke privately with Mr.Linley.

The child's debilitated condition--that lowered state of the vital power which he had observed when Kitty's case was first submitted to him--placed a terrible obstacle in the way of successful resistance to the advance of the disease.

"Say nothing to Mrs.Linley just yet.