midnight
But Maria Silva read a different tale in the hollow cheeks and the burning eyes , and she noted the changes in them from day to day , by them following the ebb and flow of his fortunes . She saw him leave the house with his overcoat and return without it , though the day was chill and raw , and promptly she saw his cheeks fill out slightly and the fire of hunger leave his eyes . In the same way she had seen his wheel and watch go , and after each event she had seen his vigor bloom again . Likewise she watched his toils , and knew the measure of the midnight oil he burned . Work ! She knew that he outdid her , though his work was of a different order . And she was surprised to behold that the less food he had , the harder he worked .