midnight
But as she turned up the lamp in her chilly little room and began the weary stitching again , she felt that in a way it was for Miss Balfour , and she sewed on uncomplainingly . She had intended to write to Marcelle that evening in order that her sister might have a letter on New Year 's day , but there would be no time now . She wrapped a shawl around her and spread a blanket over her feet , but more than once she had to stop and warm her stiff fingers over the lamp . It was long after midnight when she finished , and she crept into bed , her head still throbbing with a dull ache . `` The last day of the old year ! '' she said to herself , as she waded through a newly fallen snow to her work the next morning . `` Oh , Marcelle , how can I ever hold out ten months longer ?