midnight
I was afraid of frightening her away , or finding I saw but a vision . The water she held to my lips was nectar ; when she smoothed my pillow , all pain passed from the temples that rested upon it , throbbing with agony before , and I sank into a sweet slumber , -- not unconscious slumber : I knew that I was sleeping ; I knew that Madeleine sat there , filling the place of the sister of charity ; I knew that when I opened my eyes I should see her , -- _ and I did _ , again and again . I never once spoke to her ; I feared some spell would be broken if I breathed her name . In the morning she disappeared ; but I knew she would come again at midnight , when all was quiet , and the light was carefully shaded . M. de Bois , my dear Gaston , I tell you _ I have seen Madeleine ! _ '' M. de Bois sat still , looking too much astounded to utter a word . `` I see you can not believe me , '' Maurice continued .