midnight
Her face lighted with something very like a smile whenever she caught Agatha 's eyes , but to her talk was not necessary . Sallie hovered around the door , even though Lizzie had condescended to put on a white apron and serve . But Agatha sent the city maid away , bidding her wait on the people in the sick-room instead . Mr. Hand had been left with the patient and had acquiesced in the plan to stay on duty until midnight , when Mrs. Stoddard was to be called . Agatha had spent an hour with James , helping Mrs. Stoddard , or watching the patient while the nurse made many necessary trips to the kitchen . The sight of James 's woeful plight drove every thought from her mind . Engagements and managers lost their reality , and became shadow memories beside the vividness of his desperate need .