midnight
And as the mother now engaged in this `` labor of love , '' each plant and flower that received her gentle attention would suggest some tender recollection of the loved and lost . As she trained them to their supports and trellises she would remember that the white fingers which had so frequently and lovingly performed the task were now cold in death . But there was one -- a night blooming cereus -- which was a particular favorite of Grace 's , and which , even after she knew she had not long to live , she hoped she would be spared to see bloom . But when she perceived she was failing so rapidly -- quietly , peacefully , sinking to rest -- she said -- `` Mamma , darling , I have looked forward with a great deal of expectancy to the time when my cereus should bloom , I now know my hope in this respect will not be realized , but I want you , mother , when it opens out its pure white petals and its fragrance perfumes the midnight air to remember I shall be in heaven -- among fairer flowers , with sweeter perfume ; for they have not been cursed by sin . And while you mourn at my absence remember I am with Jesus -- ` Absent from the body , present with the Lord . ' '' And now as the mother tended these flowers , and lovingly lingered near this special favorite , around which such tender memories lingered , the flood-gates of her soul were mercifully lifted up and she `` eased her poor heart with tears . '' Thus the mother , who was constitutionally the frailer of the two , and was the one from whom the children had inherited the tendency to the disease which had carried them off so prematurely , seemed to come back to herself , so to speak , and she soon manifested a subdued cheerfulness as she set about managing the domestic economy of her home .