midnight
Nor had he only to bear , he had also to do ; and before the late hour at which he fell asleep , he had made up his mind what was the first step to be taken about Coombe Priory , and had remembered with rejoicing that whereas he had regretted leaving the chapel at college which had so comforted and helped him , there was now daily service at Redclyffe Church . The last thing in his mind , before reflection was lost in sleep , was this stanza -- Gales from Heaven , if so He will , Sweeter melodies may wake On the lowly mountain rill Than the meeting waters make . Who hath the Father and the Son , May be left , but not alone . And when the solemn deep church-bell Entreats the soul to pray , The midnight phantoms feel the spell , The shadows sweep away . Down the broad Vale of Tears afar , The spectral camp is fled ; Faith shineth as a morning star , Our ghastly fears are dead . -- LONGFELLOW Mr. Ashford was a connection of Lady Thorndale 's , and it was about a year since the living of Redclyffe had been presented to him . Mr. and Mrs. Ashford were of course anxious to learn all they could about their young squire , on whom the welfare of the parish depended , even more than in most cases , as the whole was his property .