midnight
had been an awful moment for her . `` No , mother dear ; but if I ca n't have a few hours ' rest , I shall die of fatigue . Just let me sleep , but watch me well . '' She had sat beside him the rest of the night , from midnight to morning , counting his pulse now and then , which showed no indication of collapse . Other mothers had their sons snatched from them , -- mothers who were tender and worthy , and who loved as fervently as she did . When he awoke at the next noon , she felt as if he had been given back to her out of a great danger . And she was glad now to have him plan for the home-interest , glad there would be several years before she was called upon to share him with any other woman .