"Well, I did not expect to hear this."
"Are you his brother?" asked the Doctor, seeing how cut-up the visitor looked. "Not that I detect any likeness."
"No, I am not his brother; or any other relative. Do you consider it a hopeless case, Dr. Cavendish?"
"I have not said that. I should not be justified in saying it. In fact, I have not yet formed a positive opinion on the case, and cannot do so until I shall have examined further into it. All I say at present is, that I do not like the symptoms."
"And--if the symptoms turn out to be what you fear; to threaten the malady you speak of--what then?"
"Why then there will be very little hope for him."
"You are going over to him again, then?"
"Of course. To-morrow. He is not in a state to be left without medical attendance."
"How long do you think it has been coming on, doctor?"
"I cannot tell you that. Not less than a twelvemonth, if it be what I fear."