midnight
The real mate is in the sea , but not joined to its like . ' A feeling of impatience came over her , as she saw the shells roll back , and the incoming tide still throwing more at her feet . The feeling deepened , and she awoke . It was midnight ; a gentle breeze scarce stirred the curtains of her windows and bed , and there broke over the room a wave of sound . Dawn knew that some one was there , yet no fear of the visitant came upon her . She only feared her breath might disturb the delicate atmosphere which filled the room , growing at each moment more rarified and delicate in its quality . She knew that the presence could be none other than that of her mother , for none but she could so permeate her being , and fill the room with such an air of holiness , and she felt that in the atmosphere which was thus gathering , her angelic form must soon become cognizant to her sight .