midnight
The younger girl shivered , but did not speak . She walked again the length of the room and back ; then she sat down to her work , her lips a tense line of determination , and her thoughts delving into the few past years for a strength that might help her to bear the burden of the days to come . * * * * * Ten years before , and one week after James Whitmore 's death , Mrs. James Whitmore had been thrown from her carriage , striking on her head and back . When she came to consciousness , hours afterward , she opened her eyes on midnight darkness , though the room was flooded with sunlight . The optic nerve had been injured , the doctor said . It was doubtful if she would ever be able to see again . Nor was this all .