midnight
But I have not had his reward ; -- doubtless because I am not worthy of it . '' `` What was the reward of St. Romauld , father ? '' demanded Paolina . `` His midnight prayers were rewarded by the vision of St. Apollinare in glory , who spoke to him , and gave him the counsel he sought . Night after night , and hour after hour , have I knelt and prayed . And I have heard the moaning of the wind from the Adriatic among the pines of the forest yonder , and I have seen the great crucifix above the high altar sway and move in the moonlight when it comes streaming through the southern windows ; and sometimes I have hoped -- and prayed -- and hoped -- but no vision came ! '' The old monk sighed , and dropped his head upon his bosom ; and Paolina gazed at him with a feeling of awe , mingled with a suddenly rising fear , that the tall and emaciated old man , whose light-blue eyes gleamed out from beneath his cowl , was not wholly right in his mind .