midnight
`` Father , dear , '' said Draxy , `` I think there are light-houses all along our lives , and God knows when it is time to light the lamps . '' Reuben clasped Draxy 's hand tighter , and turned his eyes upon her with a look whose love was almost reverent . Lights shone until morning from the windows of Captain Melville 's house . The little family had sat together until long after midnight , discussing this new and wonderful turn in their affairs . Jane and Reuben were bewildered and hardly happy yet ; Draxy was alert , enthusiastic , ready as usual ; poor Captain Melville and his wife were in sore straits between their joy in the Millers ' good fortune , and their pain at the prospect of the breaking up of the family . Their life together had been so beautiful , so harmonious . `` Oh , Draxy , '' said the Captain , `` how shall we ever live without you ? ''