midnight
She demanded not merely physical but mental energy -- a complete submission of both ; and when this occurred with a sensitive , high-strung girl , she was literally feeding on another 's life - blood . If she had been told this , she , no doubt , would have been very much surprised . I reassured Justine . I told her that I should say nothing directly to Mrs. Falchion , for I saw she was afraid of unpleasantness ; but I impressed upon her that she must spare herself , or she would break down , and extorted a promise that she would object to sitting up after midnight to read to Mrs. Falchion . When this was done , she said : `` But , you see , it is not madame 's fault that I am troubled . '' `` I do not wish , '' I said , `` to know any secret , -- I am a doctor , not a priest , -- but if there is anything you can tell me , in which I might be able to help you , you may command me in so far as is possible . '' Candidly , I think I was too inquiring in those days .