midnight
Explain it in terms of propinquity , or isolation , or whatever you will ; I , at least , do not attempt explanation . I know only that she is a woman and desirable . And I am rather proud , in a way , to find that I am just a man like any man . The midnight oil , and the relentless pursuit I have endured in the past from the whole tribe of women , have not , I am glad to say , utterly spoiled me . I am obsessed by that phrase -- a _ woman and desirable _ . It beats in my brain , in my thought . I go out of my way to steal a glimpse of Miss West through a cabin door or vista of hall when she does not know I am looking .