midnight in November
Mrs. Singleton has told me , that one of her children is ill , had a spasm last night ; and since maternal duties are most imperative , it is impossible for her to give undivided attention to this poor sufferer . If you will kindly take me down stairs , I will call at the ` Sheltering Arms ' , and secure the services of one of the ` Sisters ' who is an experienced nurse . This will relieve Mrs. Singleton , and we shall all feel assured that our poor girl has careful and tender watching , and every comfort that anxious sympathy can provide . '' It was midnight in November , keenly cold , but windless ; and in the purplish sky , the wintry crown of stars burned with silvery lustre , unlike the golden glow of constellations throbbing in sultry summer , and their white fires sparkled , flared as if blown by interstellar storms . The large family of Lazarus huddled over dying embers on darkening hearths , and shivered under scanty shreds of covering ; but the house of Dives was alight with the soft radiance of wax candles , fragrant with the warm aroma of multitudinous exotics , and brimming with waves of riotous music , on which merry-hearted favorites of fashion swam in measured mazes . The `` reception '' given by Judge Parkman to the Governor and his staff , on the occasion of a review of State troops at X -- , was at its height ; and several counties had been skimmed for the creme de la creme of most desirable representatives of wit , wealth and beauty . Miss Gordon had arrived unusually late , and as she entered the room , leaning on her uncle 's arm , she noticed that Mr. Dunbar was the centre of a distinguished group standing under the chandelier .