midnight
Calmly did those days pass . Ethel , Richard , and Mary divided between them the watching and the household cares , and their father bore up bravely in the fullness of his love and faith , resigning her daughter to the Hands which were bearing her whither her joys had long since departed . Hector Ernescliffe arrived when the holidays began ; and his agony of sorrow , when she failed to recognise him , moved Dr. May to exert himself earnestly for his consolation ; and , at the same time , Tom , in a gentle , almost humble manner , paid a sort of daughter-like attention to the smallest services for his father , as if already accepting him as his especial charge . It was midnight , on the longest night of the year ; Ethel was lying on her bed , and had fallen into a brief slumber , when her father 's low , clear voice summoned her : `` Ethel , she is going ! '' There was a change on the face , and the breath came in labouring gasps . Richard lifted her head , and her eyes once more opened ; she smiled once more . `` Papa ! ''