midnight
The man was riding his master 's horse -- what need was there to ask any questions ? -- the colonel was dead , cut in two by a shell . Before the evening was out the youngest son 's servant arrived -- the youngest had died on the eve of the battle . At midnight came a gunner with tidings of the death of the last ; upon whom , in those few hours , the poor father had centered all his life . Madame , they all had fallen . '' After a pause the good man controlled his feelings , and added gently : `` And their father is still living , madame . He realized that if God had left him on earth , he was bound to live on and suffer on earth ; but he took refuge in the sanctuary .