midnight
Language is powerless to describe the anguish of that lacerated soul . At last the storm subsided , and she fell into a heavy sleep . Meanwhile the two black women were busy with arrangements for the early flight . Many things had been already prepared with the expectation of a summons to New Orleans , and not long after midnight all was in readiness . Chloe , after a sound nap on the kitchen floor , rose up with the first peep of light . She and Tulee hugged each other , with farewell kisses and sobs . She knelt by Rosa 's bedside to whisper a brief prayer , and , giving her one long , lingering look , she took up her baby , and set off for the plantation , wondering at the mysterious ways of Providence .