midnight
This , her private sanctum , was like the other apartments -- small and plainly furnished , but with the same air of neatness and comfort . A book-case lined one side of the room entirely ; a small round table stood close to the window , bright with autumn flowers ; a larger one in the centre of the room held a desk , and was strown with papers , magazines , etc. ; while soft chairs inviting one to luxurious ease faced the ruddy hearth , and various little nick-nacks scattered here and there showed the graceful touch of a woman 's hand . Going to the centre table , Aunt Judith seated herself before the open desk , looked over several closely-written sheets of manuscript , and then furnishing herself with fresh paper , began to write rapidly . The fire burned slowly out , and the midnight hour had long sounded ere Miss Latimer dried her pen and laid aside her work with a tired sigh . Crossing to the window , she raised the blind , and leaning against the casement , looked away up at the quiet night sky . There was no moon ; but the happy stars , shining with frosty brightness , kept their silent watch over the sleeping world . Oh , how still , how very hushed it was !