midnight
`` God knows ; so Eleanor shall know . '' The idea of telling the truth was to Maurice -- slipping and sinking into bottomless lying -- like taking hold upon the great steadinesses of the sky ... . People began to talk ; Maurice did not hear them . Miss Ladd made a joke ; Miss Moore said something about `` light miles '' ; the old , sad , clever woman said , `` The firmament showeth his handiwork , '' -- and instantly , as though her words were a signal -- a voice , as silvery as the moon , broke the midnight with a swelling note : `` The spacious firmament on high , With all the blue ethereal sky ... '' A shock of attention ran through the watchers on the roof : Eleanor , standing with her hands clasped lightly in front of her , her head thrown back , her eyes lifted to the unplumbed deeps , was singing : `` The moon takes up the wondrous tale And nightly to the listening earth Repeats the story of her birth ; Whilst all the stars that round her burn , And all the planets in their turn -- '' A window was thrown open in a dark garret below , and some one , unseen , listened . Down in the street , two passers-by paused , and looked up . No one spoke . The voice soared on -- and ended : `` Forever singing as they shine ... '' Maurice came to her side and caught her hand .