midnight
There never was such a hand as you be , Persis , to hearten a body up . '' Persis found no time that evening for grappling with the problem for which she had voluntarily made herself responsible . The preparation of Joel 's supper was a task demanding time and prayerful consideration , for as is the case with most chronic invalids , his fastidiousness concerning his food approached the proportions of a mania . Her efforts to gratify her brother 's insatiable curiosity on points of history and literature , had put her several hours behind with her sewing , and as she owned to a most unprofessional pride in keeping her word to the letter , midnight found her still at work . A few minutes later she folded away the finished garment and picked from the rag carpet the usual litter of scraps and basting threads , after which she was at liberty to attend to that mysterious rite known to the housekeeper as `` shutting up for the night , '' a rite never to be omitted even in the village of Clematis where a locked door is held to indicate that somebody is putting on airs . Candle in hand , Persis paused before a photograph , framed in blue plush and occupying a prominent position on the mantel . `` Good night , Justin , '' she said in as matter-of-fact a tone as if she were exchanging farewells with some chance caller .