midnight
But no light was stirring ; the opposite house was quite dark ; the dear form that dwelt in it , and that was wont to appear there about this time engaged in divers household affairs , seemed to be absent . ` Perhaps she may be at the ball , ' thought Emilius , little as it sorted with her retired way of life . Ere long however a light came in : the little girl whom his beloved unknown had about her , and with whom she used to pass a great part of the day and of the evening , carried a candle through the room and closed the shutters . A chink still let the light through , wide enough for Emilius , where he stood , to overlook a part of the little room : and there the happy youth would often stay till after midnight as if charmed to the spot , watching every motion of her hand , every look of her beloved face . It was a joy to see her teaching the child to read , or giving her lessons in sewing and knitting . On inquiry he had learnt that the little girl was a poor orphan , whom his fair maiden had charitably taken into the house , to educate her . Emiliuses friends could not conceive why he lived in this narrow street , in this comfortless lodging , why he was so little to be seen in society , or how he employed himself .