midnight
`` Doctor , tell me one word more , '' said Theodore , quivering with suppressed emotion . `` How do _ you _ think it will end ? '' `` I have hardly the faintest atom of hope , '' answered this honest , earnest man . `` If , as I said , after midnight this sleep grows heavier , and you fail to catch the regular breathing , you may call the family . I think no human sound will disturb him after that ; but if , on the contrary , the breathing grows steadier , and occasionally he moves a little , then I want you fairly to hold your breath , and then we may begin to hope , provided nothing shall occur to startle him ; but I will be in by twelve or a little after . '' The doctor went away with lightest tread , and Theodore opened the door of communication with the next room , met the kind , sympathetic eyes of Jim resting on him , returned his grave , silent bow , and felt sustained by his presence , then went back to his silent , solemn work . Close by the bedside , and thus , his head resting on one hand , his eyes fixed on the sleepless face , his heart going up to God in such wordless agony of entreaty as he had never felt before , passed the long , long hours .