nearly noon
After the first rejoicing is over , Grandon will not allow him to talk business , but taking up Goethe reads to him . The tense , worn face softens . Now and then he drops into a little doze . He puts his hand out to Grandon with a grateful smile , and so the two sit until nearly noon , when the doctor comes . Floyd follows him down-stairs . `` Do n't ask me to reconsider my verdict , '' he says , in answer to the other 's look . `` The issues of life and death are _ not _ in our hands .