nearly midnight before
Then we must fasten up the knocker and take off the bell . The doctor says that it is all important that my mother should get a long and undisturbed sleep . '' Dr. Green came in again in the evening , and had a long chat with Ned . It was nearly midnight before Mrs. Mulready awoke . On opening her eyes she saw Ned sitting at a short distance from the sofa . She gave a sudden start , and then a look of terror came into her face . Ned rose to his feet and held out his arms with the one word `` Mother ! ''