midnight
But now the crisis of the disease came on . Her life hung upon the most attenuated thread . The doctor gave them no hope of a favorable change . It was past midnight . May , with Father Fabian , who had staid , hoping that a short interval of reason would occur before her agony came on -- for they thought she was sinking -- knelt , praying and imploring the mercy of heaven for her helpless soul . Mr. Jerrold , unmanned , and filled with bitter anguish , had gone out into the balcony , which overhung the garden , where , bowed down , he wept like a child . A low moan escaped Helen 's white lips , a quivering motion convulsed her limbs .