noon
One more year of study and I shall be qualified for any situation ; then I can breathe freely . May God shield me from all harm ! '' That year of study rolled swiftly away ; another winter came and passed ; another spring hung its verdant drapery over earth , and now ardent summer reigned once more . It was near the noon of a starry July night that Beulah sat in her own room beside her writing-desk . A manuscript lay before her , yet damp with ink , and as she traced the concluding words , and threw down her pen , a triumphant smile flashed over her face . To-morrow the session of the public school would close , with an examination of its pupils ; to-morrow she would graduate , and deliver the valedictory to the graduating class . She had just finished copying her address , and , placing it carefully in the desk , rose and leaned against the window , that the cool night air might fan her fevered brow .