midnight
She started up in a confused manner , but quieted herself again when she found that they alluded to her husband . Several women who had small children at home now left , as the streets were empty ; but the majority of the company preferred to remain in the house all night , in order to watch and pray with poor Skipper Worse , and to be at hand in case of need . From time to time one would go across the yard to listen at the door of Madame Torvestad 's apartments , and they were comforted by hearing the voice of the old dyer , which proved that Madame Torvestad had come to herself again . At midnight coffee was brought into the room , and they took it in turns to go in and drink a cup , in order to keep awake . In the room of the dying man some sat reading good books , or one of them would offer up a prayer for the sufferer , that the Lord might soon release him and mitigate the pangs of death . Jacob Worse had been lying perfectly still for a couple of hours , and they could not tell whether he was conscious . Sarah sat by the bedside , and took his hand in hers .