midnight
When they answer from their depths , it is to the domestic joys and tragedies of life . Ever since Eve wept over her slain son , and Rebecca took the love-gifts of Isaac , this has been the case ; and until that mighty angel , who stands on the sea and land , cries , `` Time shall be no more , '' the home loves , and the home trials , will be the center of humanity 's deepest and sweetest emotions . So , then , the little Shetland town had in it all the elements necessary for a life full of interest -- birth and death , love and sorrow , the cruel hand and the generous hand , the house of mourning and the house of joy . Just before Christmas-tide , Tulloch was sitting alone at midnight . His malady was too distressing to allow him to sleep , but a Norseman scorns to complain of physical suffering , and prefers , so long as it is possible , to carry on the regular routine of his life . He was unable to go much out , and his wasted body showed that it was under a constant torture , but he said nothing , only he welcomed Margaret and the doctor warmly , and seemed to be glad of their unspoken sympathy . It had been stormy all day , but the wind had gone down , and a pale moon glimmered above the dim , tumbling sea .