midnight
She started the next instant in fear lest some one had heard . But no , there was no one near here , save that loving One who hears every moan ; and Beth had not learned yet that He can lull every sufferer to rest in His bosom . The house was perfectly still , and she lay there in the darkness and silence , no line changing in the rigid marble of her face . She heard her father 's step pass by in the hall ; then the old clock struck out the midnight hour , and still she lay in that stupor with drops of cold perspiration on her brow . Suddenly a change came over her . Her cheeks grew paler still , but her eyes burned . She rose and paced the room , with quick , agitated steps .