noon
To one who was quite sure that she was through with illusions for ever , and who flattered herself that the sentimental age was safely behind her , the honor of a life-long companionship with a man like Doctor Queerington was almost overwhelming . She wanted passionately to be of use in the world , to make her life count for something . The opportunity of being of service to the Doctor , of helping him complete the great work that absorbed him , of ministering to his physical needs , and bringing joy into his life , assumed the character of a sacred privilege . If haunting doubts and vague unsatisfied longings possessed her at times , she attributed them to that dear but unreal glamour of romance that the Doctor had taught her must be expected to play for a while about the dawn of youth , but which fades away in the noon of maturity . And so not being skilled in the science of self-analysis , she fearlessly put her hand into the Doctor 's , and promised to obey with a frank sense of relief at the shifted responsibility . The new life into which she entered proved different in every respect from what she had expected . The Doctor 's time , scheduled to the minute , admitted of no interruptions , however helpful from her .