midnight
This was the unanimous opinion after deep consultation , and after remaining some time the doctors had withdrawn . When it grew dark , Alice started to turn on the lights , but her father said : `` Let us sit in the firelight . '' So they drew close together , and in an awe looked upon him who seemed so sure that . God would call him away at midnight . Who shall recount the words that were uttered ? the exact sentences spoken ? the fears and hopes and petitions and tears of the wife ?