Midnight
Light and Shadow Upon entering the house Mr. Westmore divested himself of his great-coat , and stood warming himself by the kitchen fire , while Mrs. Stickles bustled around , smoothing down the bedclothes and putting the room to rights in which her sick husband lay . The kitchen floor was as white as human hands could make it , and the stove shone like polished ebony . Upon this a kettle steamed , while underneath a sleek Maltese cat was curled , softly purring in calm content . Dan , assisted by the little Stickles , stabled Midnight , after which he was conducted over to the back of the barn to enjoy the pleasure of coasting down an icy grade . The only sound , therefore , was Mrs. Stickles ' voice in the next room as she related to `` her man '' the wonderful events which had just taken place . A slight smile of pleasure crossed the parson 's face as he listened to her words and thought of the big honest heart beneath that marvellous tongue . The sun of the winter day was streaming through the little window and falling athwart the foot of the bed as Mr. Westmore entered the room and grasped the sick man 's white , outstretched hand .