noon
His prosperity did not , however , lessen his activity ; he forgot that he was getting old , for his limbs were yet supple and his eyes perfectly clear . He measured off his lumber and drove nails with the strength and accuracy of a young man ; yet , as death lurks in every passing breeze , feeling well is no evidence of sound health or assurance of long life . Bill Sikes seldom complained . Steady habits had made him vigorous and confident ; but one morning his fond wife stood in the door and watched him as with head erect and firm step he strode away to his work , only to be borne back to her at noon a helpless paralytic . `` What 's the matter , William ? '' she asked tenderly , as loving hands lay him upon the lounge before her . But the tongue which had bid her good-bye so fondly that morning could not utter a word , and the eyes that had gazed so sweetly into hers bespoke the bitter anguish of his soul as they stared vacantly at her .