noon
Had it not been for poor Ernie and his requirements , I should have sunk under this fresh phase of suffering , I am convinced . My health , too , was giving way . My strength , my energy were falling . I kept my bed , as I had never been willing to do before if able to arise from it , until noon sometimes , for want of nervous impulse , and my food was tasteless and innutritious , even when I forced myself to eat a portion of what was placed regularly before me . It seemed to me that , long ere this , Wardour Wentworth must have ascertained my fate , and the thought that he might be passive when my very soul was at stake , thrilled me with agony unspeakable . This mood endured so long that even Mrs. Clayton grew alarmed . She insisted on Dr. Englehart again , and , when I shook my head drearily for all reply , begged that I would permit her to state my case to Mrs. Raymond , who might in turn see some able physician about me and procure remedies .