Midnight
All this passed rapidly in her mind , and when Clara called her to sit down on the couch beside her , she started as from a painful dream . While her friend talked sadly of the future , Beulah analyzed her features , and came to the conclusion that it would be a very easy matter to love her ; the face was so sweet and gentle , the manner so graceful , the tone so musical and winning . Absorbed in thought , neither noted the lapse of time . Midnight passed ; two o'clock came ; and then at three a knock startled the watchers . Clara sprang to the door ; Dr. Hartwell pointed to the sickroom , and said gently : `` He has ceased to suffer . He is at rest . '' She looked at him vacantly an instant , and whispered , under her breath : `` He is not dead ? ''