About midnight
Towards the end -- as Thorstan Black knew it must be -- he persuaded Gudrid to lie down at night while he kept watch by the bed . And so she did . The poor girl was worn out , and went to sleep almost at once . About midnight she was awakened . Thorstan Black stood by the bed with a taper . She gaped at him , cold to the bones . `` Come , my dear , '' he said .