midnight
And if by chance he brought a rose in to cheer the dim stillness of the sick-room , and she tucked it into her buttonhole , immediately it was as though she were decked for conquest . Pretty dresses are very pretty on pretty people , -- they certainly play an important part in this queer little world of ours ; but depend upon it , dear girls , no woman ever has established so distinct and clear a claim on the regard of her lover as when he has ceased to notice or analyze what she wears , and just accepts it unquestioningly , whatever it is , as a bit of the dear human life which has grown or is growing to be the best and most delightful thing in the world to him . The gray gown played its part during the long anxious night when they all sat watching breathlessly to see which way the tide would turn with dear little Amy . The doctor came at midnight , and went away to come again at dawn . Mrs. Swift sat grim and watchful beside the pillow of her charge , rising now and then to feel pulse and skin , or to put a spoonful of something between Amy 's lips . The doors and windows stood open to admit the air . In the outer room all was hushed .