nearly midnight
You must try and forget it , and go to sleep . '' But , for the first time in her healthy girlhood , sleep refused to come at Fern 's bidding ; and she lay restless and anxious , thinking of her friend 's tragical story until the gray dawn ushered in the new day . The little household in Beulah Place were very busy during the next few days . The girls went out shopping together to replenish Crystal 's modest wardrobe , and then sat working until nearly midnight to complete the new traveling dress . Fern was putting the final stitches on the last afternoon while Crystal went to bid good-bye to her pupils . The black trunk in the girl 's room was already packed , for she was to start early in the morning . Percy had not yet heard the news ; he had been away from town the last week , to Crystal 's great relief .