noon
I know he loves you . '' `` It is too late , '' Mrs. Custis remarked , solemnly , with another fondling of her check ; `` he has neglected me too long . I expect his attention and respect , and that he shall behave himself ; but no lovey and no honey for me now . Life has passed the noon and the early afternoon for him and me , and I live to be respectable , to appreciate my security , to keep upstarts at arm 's - length , to enjoy my life in its appointed circle , taking care of my income , and never -- no , never ! -- giving any human being the opportunity to make me a beggar again . '' `` Oh , mamma , '' Vesta said , `` think of Judge Custis ! Have you not made home cold to him by this formalism ?