midnight
Ellen 's appreciation for some reason was , however , scanty and confused . She averted her glance from her niece 's face , and even at noontime when the girl appeared bearing a marvelously baked and yet more marvelously decorated masterpiece of culinary art , she had not regained sufficient poise to partake of the delicacy in any mood save that of furtive and guilty silence . Lucy , ever sympathetic , ventured the fear that the invalid was over-tired , and after the meal drew the shades that her aunt might rest . In the dim light Ellen seemed more at ease and presently fell into a deep slumber that lasted until midnight and was broken only by some phantasy of her dreams which intermittently brought from her lips a series of muttered execrations and bitter , insinuating laughs . Toward morning she roused herself and gave a feeble cry of pain . Instantly alert , Melvina hastened to her bedside . But by the time a candle was lighted all human aid was vain .