midnight
Edith thought of this and sighed , while her heart yearned toward the helpless young creature , who stood regarding her with a scrutinizing glance , as one studies a beautiful picture . The face was very white -- indeed , it seemed as if it were long since the blood had visited the cheeks , which , nevertheless , were round and plump , as were the finely moulded arms , displayed to good advantage by the loose sleeves of the crimson cashmere wrapper . The eyes were deeply , darkly blue , and the strangely gleaming light which shone from them , betrayed at once the terrible truth that Nina was crazed . It was a novel sight , those two young girls watching each other so intently , both so beautiful and yet so unlike -- the one , tall , stately , and almost queen-like in her proportions , with dark , brilliant complexion ; eyes of midnight blackness , and masses of raven hair , bound around her head in many a heavy braid -- the other , fairy-like in size , with golden curls and soft blue eyes , which filled with tears at last as some undefinable emotion swept over her . In the rich , dark beauty of Edith 's face there was a wonderful fascination , which riveted the crazy girl to the spot where she had stopped when first she crossed the threshold , and when at last , sinking upon the sofa , Edith extended her arms , as a mother to her child , poor little Nina went forward , and with a low , gasping sob , fell upon her bosom , weeping passionately , her whole frame trembling and her sobs so violent that Edith became alarmed , and tried by kisses and soft endearing words to soothe her grief and check the tears raining in torrents from her eyes . `` It 's nice to cry . It takes the heavy pain away , '' and Nina made a gesture that Edith must not stop her , while Arthur , roused from his apathy , also said , `` She has not wept before in years .