Never let a man stay the night," she told me. "Dawn has a way of casting a pall on any night magic.
This quote eloquently captures the transient nature of both physical presence and the mystical moments that occur during the night. The advice to not let a man stay overnight implies that certain experiences or relationships are best kept ephemeral, perhaps to preserve their mystery, freshness, or to avoid the complications that often accompany prolonged intimacy. Nighttime, in many stories and cultural beliefs, symbolizes a time of wonder, secrecy, and magic. It is when the world is quieter, and the boundaries of the mundane blur into the realm of possibility. The reference to dawn as a 'pall' or shadow cast over night magic highlights the inevitable transition from darkness to light, from mystery to clarity. Dawn can symbolize truth and the unveiling of hidden truths, but it also signifies an end—an end to the enchantment of night. The idea suggests that the magical or sacred moments tied to the night are fragile and susceptible to the arrival of reality with dawn. There is a poignant acknowledgment that human connections and the magic of the night are fleeting, and perhaps, best left that way to maintain their allure. This reflection urges a recognition of the beauty in ephemeral moments, understanding that some enchantments lose their meaning when exposed to the light of day. In a broader sense, it touches on the universal theme of impermanence and the importance of cherishing fleeting moments before they fade into memory or are diminished by the harsh light of reality.