midnight
It was very quiet . The day had been bitter cold , and as it drew to a close it became colder still , and a fierce wind rose and whistled about the old house , shaking the ill-fitting windows and doors . But the sick man did not seem to hear it . Toward midnight he fell into a deep and quiet sleep . Before the fire Natalie sat waiting . Now and then a little shudder passed over her as if she could not resist the cold . And yet the fire in the stove was a bright one .