midnight
The whistle of the locomotive at the station told her that it was four o'clock before her task was accomplished ; and , praying that God 's blessing would rest upon it , she left it unfinished , and threw herself down to sleep . But slumber brought no relaxation to the busy brain that toiled on in fitful , grotesque dreams ; and when sunshine streamed through the open window at the foot of her bed , it showed no warm flush of healthful sleep on the beautiful face , but weariness and pallor . Incoherent words stirred the lips , troubled thought knitted the delicately arched brows , and the white , dimpled arms were tossed restlessly above her head . Was the tired midnight worker worthy of her hire ? The world would one day pay her wages in the currency of gibes , and denunciation , and envious censoriousness ; but the praise of men had not tempted her to the vineyard , and she looked in faith to Him `` who seeth in secret , '' and whose rewards are at variance with those of the taskmasters of earth . `` Wherefore , '' O lonely but conscientious student ! `` be ye steadfast , unmovable , always abounding in the work of the Lord , forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain . ''