midnight
Mrs. Hardy arose , and with tears streaming down her face kneeled beside the bed and in a few words recalled Clara to her surroundings . The girl had come out of her strange unconsciousness with all her faculties intact . Gradually she recalled the past , the accident , the dream of her father . She smiled happily on them all , and they for a while forgot the approach of midnight and its possible meaning to Mr. Hardy -- all but himself . He kneeled by the bed , at the side of his wife , and thanked God that his dear one was restored . Suddenly he rose to his feet and spoke aloud , quietly , but clearly : `` Did you not hear someone calling ? '' His face was pale but peaceful .