midnight
She drew a long , sobbing breath . Boy would n't want any of her love-things any more . She knew the chimes were playing , `` Peace on earth , good will to men . '' Every Christmas Eve , at midnight , the bells rang out the sacred chorus . For many years , the music had completed her Christmas preparations . The annual message had always brought her inspiration and spiritual uplift . A brick , torn from its place in the chimney , tumbled down the roof .