midnight
`` During the first few years she was wholly dependent upon him , and seemed only a fond , affectionate child ; but a time came at last when the case was reversed , and the old man , stricken with disease , became infirm and helpless . It was then that the beauty of her woman 's nature shone forth triumphant ; and , oh ! how gently , child as she was , she guided his steps as he descended to the grave . Often have I gone to his room at midnight , fearing lest he might be in need of care which she in her youth and inexperience would be unable to render ; and never shall I forget the little figure seated calmly by his bedside , at an hour when many of her years would be shrinking from fears conjured up by the night and the darkness , with a lamp dimly burning on a table before her , and she herself , with his hand in hers , sweetly soothing his wakefulness by her loving words , or with her eyes bent upon her little Bible , reading to him holy lessons . But all her care could not prolong his life ; and just before I went to India he died , blessing God for the peace imparted to him through his gentle nurse . `` It was my task to soothe our little Gerty 's sorrows , and do what I could to comfort her , an office which , before I left the country , I was rejoiced to transfer to the willing hands of the excellent blind lady who had long befriended both her and Uncle True . Before I went away , I solemnly committed to Gerty , who had in one instance proved herself both willing and able , the care of my mother and grandfather .