noon
Deborah 's hand went to her heart , in the dark corner whither she had withdrawn herself , and when she turned again towards the spot where Reuther had stood , it was in some fear lest she had betrayed her understanding of this deeply tried father 's passionate pain . But Reuther was no longer there . She had fled quickly away with the memory of what was to make this day a less dreary one for her . Morning passed and the noon came , bringing Deborah an increased uneasiness . When lunch was over and Reuther sat down to her piano , the feeling had grown into an obsession , which soon resolved itself into a definite fear . `` What if an attack , such as I once saw , should come upon him while he sits upon the bench ! Why have I not thought of this before ?