midnight
John complied with the request , and when Janet came down to the kitchen , how was she surprised at finding Hannah there , leisurely grinding her coffee , with an innocent look upon her sable face , as if nothing had ever happened . John 's raillery , however , loosened her tongue at last , and very minutely she detailed her grievances . `` She had done a two weeks ' washing , besides all the work , and the whole of them young ones under her feet into the bargain . Then at night , when she hoped for a little rest , Mrs. Ruggles had gone off to a party and stayed till midnight , leaving her with that squallin ' brat ; but never you mind , '' said she , `` I poured a little paregol down its throat , or my name aint Hannah , '' and with a sigh of relief at her escape from `` Miss Ruggles , '' she finished her story and resumed her accustomed duties , which for many weeks she faithfully performed , finding but little fault with the frequent suggestions of Mrs. Janet Blodgett , whose rule in the household was for the time being firmly established . From the tall trees which shade the desolate old house the leaves have fallen one by one , and the November rain makes mournful music as in the stillness of the night it drops upon the withered foliage , softly , slowly , as if weeping for the sorrow which has come upon the household . Matty Kennedy is dead ; and in the husband 's heart there is a gnawing pain , such as he never felt before ; not even when Katy died ; for Katy , though pure and good , was not so wholly unselfish as Matty had been , and in thinking of her , he could occasionally recall an impatient word ; but from Matty none . Gentle , loving , and beautiful she had been to him in life ; and now , beautiful in death , she lay in the silent parlor , on the marble table she had brought from home , while he -- oh , who shall tell what thoughts were busy at his heart , as he sat there alone , that dismal , rainy night .