midnight
As I entered the house , the sound of Aunt Euphronasia 's crooning fell on my ears , and going into the nursery , I found Sally sitting by the window , with the child on her knees , while the old negress waved a palm-leaf fan back and forth with a slow , rhythmic movement . A night-lamp burned , with lowered wick , on the bureau , and as Sally looked up at me , I saw that her face had grown wan and haggard since I had left her . `` The baby was taken very ill just after you went , '' she said ; `` we feared a convulsion , and I sent one of the neighbours ' children for the doctor . It may be only the heat , he says , but he is coming again at midnight . '' `` I had hoped you would be able to get off in the morning . '' `` No , not now . The baby is too ill .