midnight
There is still a bright spot left to look upon . '' Stealing her hand into his , the mother informed him of all that had occurred during Irene 's visit , and concluded by laying the money in his palm . Electra sat opposite , watching the change that came over the face she loved best on earth . Her large , eager midnight eyes noted the quick flush and glad light which overspread his features ; the deep joy that kindled in his tortured soul ; and unconsciously she clutched her fingers till the nails grew purple , as though striving to strangle some hideous object thrusting itself before her . Her breathing became laboured and painful , her gaze more concentrated and searching , and when her cousin exclaimed : `` Oh , mother ! she is an angel ! I have always known it .