midnight
It had not yet taken hold of her that the child was seriously ill . He was drowsy and a little feverish , his pulse beat fast and he coughed hard sometimes , but he would be better in the morning . Oh , yes , he would soon be well again , and tearing up the flowers in the garden . Toward midnight the pulse fell rapidly , the breathing become quieter , and the whole nature seemed to sink . Mercy listened with her ear bent down at the child 's mouth , and a smile of ineffable joy spread itself over her face . `` Bless him , he is sleeping so calmly , '' she said . Greta did not answer .