midnight
Was this fitting gratitude for the generosity with which he had divested himself , for the sake of the younger man , of a dignity that belonged to him alone ? To see her husband thus slighted pierced her to the heart and caused her more pain than Hur 's leaving her , his newly-wedded wife , to solitude . The supper before the tent of the Ephraimites lasted a long time . Miriam sent her women to rest before midnight , and lay down to await Hur 's return and to confess to him all that had wounded and angered her , everything for which she longed . She thought it would be an easy matter to keep awake while suffering such mental anguish . But the great fatigues and excitements of the last few days asserted their rights , and in the midst of a prayer for humility and her husband 's love sleep overpowered her . At last , at the time of the first morning watch , just as day was dawning , the sound of trumpets announcing peril close at hand , startled her from sleep .