nearly midnight
This is very tempting . '' When Miss Preston came to her room an hour later she found the tray quite empty , and Toinette fast asleep . Arranging the couch pillows more comfortably , and throwing a warm puff over the sleeping girl , she whispered , softly : `` Poor little maid , your battle with Apollyon was short and sharp , but , thank God , you 've conquered , even at the expense of an exhausted mind and weary body . '' It was nearly midnight when Toinette opened her eyes to see Miss Preston warmly wrapped in her dressing-gown , and seated before the fire reading . The lamp was carefully screened from Toinette , who could not at first realize what had happened , or why she was there , but Miss Preston 's voice recalled her to herself . `` Do you feel rested , dear ? '' she asked .