an hour after
midnight
She , meanwhile , wept on softly , till her tired brain and heart were somewhat relieved of their heavy burden , -- the entanglement of her thoughts became unravelled , -- and , though keenly aware of the blank desolation of her life , she was able to raise herself in spirit to the Giver of all Love and Consolation , and to pray humbly for that patience and resignation which now alone could serve her needs . And she communed with herself and God in silence , as the train rushed on northwards . Her fellow-traveller woke up as they were nearing their destination , and , seeing her holding the baby , was profuse in her thanks for this kindness . And when they at last reached Hull , about half an hour after midnight , the good woman was exceedingly anxious to know if she could be of any service , -- but Thelma gently , yet firmly , refused all her offers of assistance . They parted in the most friendly manner , -- Thelma kissing the child , through whose unconscious means , as she now owned to herself , she had escaped a terrible death , -- and then she went directly to a quiet hotel she knew of , which was kept by a native of Christiania , a man who had formerly been acquainted with her father . At first , when this worthy individual saw a lady arrive , alone , young , richly dressed , and without luggage , he was inclined to be suspicious , -- but as soon as she addressed him in Norwegian , and told him who she was , he greeted her with the utmost deference and humility . `` The daughter of Jarl Güldmar , '' he said , continuing to speak in his own tongue , `` honors my house by entering it ! ''