midnight
An explanation followed which gratified Dr. Belford immensely . `` Since the danger looks less , my boy , '' he said , `` and that you wish to attend him , I see no reason why you should n't . I 've trusted you with as serious cases already . '' With this they parted , each tired and weary with his midnight vigils , repaired to rest until the full stir of the morning that was just breaking . `` I have a bitter thought -- a snake That used to string my life to pain ; I strove to cast it far away , But every night and every day It crawled back to my heart again . '' `` You are unusually early this morning , '' said a pale , handsome woman crossing the threshold of the elegant dining-room , where the silver and crystal and tempting viands stood in inviting array on the massive table . The lady wore a loose dark wrapper , girdled at the waist , and her thick hair , prematurely grey , was drawn back from her large , intelligent brow , and secured in graceful coils at the back of her shapely neck .