midnight
Terrified at seeing him so near death , and yet so ill prepared for it , his daughter sat by his bed , oppressed by the keenest anguish , which her piety increased . Her grief had nothing selfish in it ; he was not a friend or protector ; but he was her father , an unhappy wretch , going into eternity , depraved and thoughtless . Could a life of sensuality be a preparation for a peaceful death ? Thus meditating , she passed the still midnight hour by his bedside . The nurse fell asleep , nor did a violent thunder storm interrupt her repose , though it made the night appear still more terrific to Mary . Her father 's unequal breathing alarmed her , when she heard a long drawn breath , she feared it was his last , and watching for another , a dreadful peal of thunder struck her ears . Considering the separation of the soul and body , this night seemed sadly solemn , and the hours long .