Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 3.djvu/220

210 "There's always a chance of death; and it is always well to live with such a chance in view."

"Yes, yes—but do you think there's any likelihood that this illness will have a fatal termination?"

"I cannot tell; but, supposing it should, how are you prepared to meet the event?"

"Why the doctor told me I wasn't to think about it, for I was sure to get better, if I stuck to his regimen and prescriptions."

"I hope you may, Arthur, but neither the doctor nor I can speak with certainty in such a case: there is internal injury, and it is difficult to know to what extent."

"There now! you want to scare me to death."

"No; but I don't want to lull you to false security. If a consciousness of the uncertainty of life can dispose you to serious and useful thoughts, I would not deprive you of the benefit of such reflections, whether you do