midnight
She told me all before she died ; ... she directed me to send you her last thoughts , which she wrote down till the very instant her hand grew cold while tracing your name ... . Love her in Christ , who loved us unto death , and live for your mother ! `` ALAIN . '' I fell back senseless on the straw , and only recovered consciousness when the cold air of midnight chilled my brow . The light was still burning , and the doctor 's letter was grasped convulsively in my hand . The untouched packet had fallen on the floor ; I opened it with my lips , as if I feared to profane the heavenly message by breaking the seal with my fingers . Several long letters from Julie fell out ; they were arranged according to dates .