midnight
The thought brought with it unexpected strength , and gave her courage to crush down her grief , seal up her tears , and show a brave and tender face as she took that feeble hand in hers ready to help her husband die . He saw and thanked her for the effort , felt the sustaining power of a true wife 's heart , and seemed to have no other care , since she was by him steadfast to the end . He lay looking at her with such serene and happy eyes that she would not let a tear , a murmur , mar his peace ; and for a little while she felt as if she had gone out of this turbulent world into a heavenly one , where love reigned supreme . But such hours are as brief as beautiful , and at midnight mortal suffering proved that immortal joy had not yet begun . Christie had sat by many death-beds , but never one like this ; for , through all the bitter pangs that tried his flesh , David 's soul remained patient and strong , upheld by the faith that conquers pain and makes even Death a friend . In the quiet time that went before , he had told his last wishes , given his last messages of love , and now had but one desire , -- to go soon that Christie might be spared the trial of seeing suffering she could neither lighten nor share . `` Go and rest , dear ; go and rest , '' he whispered more than once .