Valancy seemed to read it at a glance; she dropped it on her lap, her face ghost-white.

Dr. Trent told her that she had a very dangerous and fatal form of heart disease — angina pectoris — evidently complicated with an aneurism — whatever that was — and in the last stages. He said, without mincing matters, that nothing could be done for her. If she took great care of herself she might live a year — but she might also die at any moment — Dr. Trent never troubled himself about euphemisms. She must be careful to avoid all excitement and all severe muscular efforts. She must eat and drink moderately, she must never run, she must go upstairs and uphill with great care. Any sudden jolt or shock might be fatal. She was to get the prescription he enclosed filled and carry it with her always,