midnights
The pastor read of the holy Jerusalem , and said that her pure feet were walking the golden streets . But in the hushes of the sobbing I heard them close beside me , and while children were strewing her grave with flowers they followed me over the stile and through the village till I gained the fields and took to my heels in fright . `` I sought the resort of crowds , and lived amid turbulences . In busy hours I baffled my pursuers ; but in the dark midnights , when only the miserable walked , I suffered the agonies of remorse and penance . The ever-flowing stream of life on London Bridge became my solace . My apartments are here , and I sit continually at an open window , leaning far forward , to catch the thunder of the tramp . I know the footfalls as of old .