and twelve o'clock
It was many minutes before Mrs. Marshall found strength to rise , and then she staggered across the room , like one who had been stunned by a blow . We will not attempt the vain task of describing her feelings through that terrible day ; -- of picturing the alternate states of hope and deep despondency , that now made her heart bound with a lighter emotion , -- and now caused it to sink low , and almost pulseless , in her bosom . It passed away at last , and brought the gloomy night -- fall -- but not her husband 's return . Eight , nine , ten , eleven , and twelve o'clock came , and went , and still he was absent . For an hour she had been seated by the window , listening for the sound of his approaching footsteps . As the clock struck twelve , she started , listened for a moment still more intently , and then arose with a deep sigh , her manner indicating a state of irresolution . First she went softly to the bed , and stood looking down for some moments upon the faces of her little ones , sleeping calmly and sweetly , all unconscious of the anguish that swelled their mother 's heart almost to bursting .