midnight
`` Oh , I 'm so afraid , '' quavered Kat . `` Let 's all sleep together . '' No one seemed to object , for really it was something to chill even a brave heart . Those four girls alone in the great still house at midnight , with the terrible fear at their hearts , and their wildest imagination in full play . They went up stairs as softly as though Ernestine lay dead in the house ; and all went with their eyes shut except Olive , who carried the lamp , and even she kept her eyes away from everything save right where she walked . No one had cried yet but Bea ; so when they knelt about the bed for prayer , each one broke down , and they finally dropped asleep , sobbing softly , with their arms about each other . Morning came , with the brightest of sunshine , and put a more cheerful face upon things , as daylight always does .