Eleven o'clock
Then she bade her good-night and left her , whereupon Katherine locked the door , and , slipping quietly into a chair , began working vigorously for her friend . For more than an hour there seemed to be no change in her patient 's condition . Indeed , if anything , the symptoms appeared to be aggravated ; she tossed restlessly , the fever apparently increasing , while she called for water every few moments , but refused the gruel , saying she could not swallow it . Eleven o'clock came -- half-past ; then the long tolling of the tower clock proclaimed midnight ere Katherine was able to detect the slightest sign of improvement . Then , as she responded to another call for water , she found that the fever had abated and there was a slight moisture in the palm of the hand , which she clasped for an instant . Another half hour spent in alternate reading and work brought quiet , restful sleep . But the faithful sentinel on guard labored on , now reading from her precious book , then seeking help from the only source whence cometh all help and comfort , and never doubting that the answer to her prayer would eventually come .