midnight
She grasped my arm , like one catching at a fleeting hope . `` As if she were my own and only child ! '' I repeated her words in promise and assurance , adding -- `` The first result of the medicine which I gave is just what I desired . I will leave something more to be taken at intervals of two hours , until midnight . In the morning , I hope to find a very encouraging change . '' `` But , Doctor , '' she replied , `` if this is a case of typhoid fever , no hope of any quick change for the better can be entertained . I am no stranger to the fearful malady . ''