Read the following passage from Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher": The MS. gave evidence of nervous agitation. The writer spoke of acute bodily illness—of a mental disorder which oppressed him— and of an earnest desire to see me, as his best and indeed his only personal friend, with a view of attempting, by the cheerfulness of my society, some alleviation of his malady.
Which of the following is the best definition of malady?

A person’s face or facial expression
Warm and friendly
Attractive, lively
Sickness