noon
The down-hearted took new courage , and those who were well enough to be hobbling about on crutches , who were telling stories of the battles , forgot what they were saying while listening to her voice . Her presence was noonday , her absence night . Once , when through long watching and patient waiting her strength gave way , and the fever raged in her own veins , it was touching to see their sorrow . The loud-talking spoke in whispers , and walked noiselessly along the wards , for fear of increasing the pain which racked her aching head ; the sick ones , who missed the touch of her magic hand , and the sweet music of her voice , and the sunlight of her presence , whose fevers were raging because she was absent , when the physician went his rounds in the morning , at noon , and at night , inquired not about themselves , but her . When the fever passed , -- when she was well enough to walk through the wards , and hold for a moment the hands which were stretched out on every side , -- it was as if her very presence had power to heal . How blessed her work ! -- to give life and strength ; to soothe pain , change sorrow to joy ; to sit beside the dying , and talk of the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world ; to wipe the dampness of death from their brows , listen to their last words , and , when the spirit had flown , to close the sightless eyes , and cut from the pale brow a lock of hair for a fond mother far away , thinking ever of her dying boy .