midnight
Beulah offered no comment ; but the gloom deepened on her brow and her white fingers crept restlessly over the piano keys . After a moment 's silence , Clara continued : `` I would not regret our separation so much if I left you in the possession of Christian faith ; armed with a perfect trust in the religion of Jesus Christ . Oh , Beulah , it makes my heart ache when I think of you , struggling so fiercely in the grasp of infidelity ! Many times have I seen the light shining beneath your door , long after midnight , and wept over the conflict in which I knew you were engaged ; and only God knows how often I have mingled your name in my prayers , entreating him to direct you in your search , to guide you safely through the paths of skepticism , and place your weary feet upon the ` rock of ages . ' Oh , Beulah , do not make my prayers vain by your continued questioning ! Come back to Christ and the Bible . '' Tears glided down her cheeks as she passed her arm round her friend , and dropped her head on her shoulder .