midnight
Her lips moved now and then , as though she were repeating something to herself , and gradually the pained and anxious expression of her face melted away into a look of peace . The old gilt clock upon the chimney-piece struck twelve in its shrill steel tones . Josephine started at the sound , and passed one hand over her eyes as though to rouse herself , and at the same time a deep blush spread over her delicate cheek . For with the voice of midnight there was also the voice of a man ringing in her ears , and she heard the two together , so that it seemed as though all the world must hear them also , and her gentle maiden 's soul was shamed at the thought . So it is that our loves are always with us , and though we search ourselves diligently to find them and rebuke them , we find them not ; but if we give up searching they come upon us unawares , and speak very soft words . Love also is a gentle thing , full of sweetness and peace , when he comes to us so ; and though the maiden blushes at his speaking , she would not stop the ears of her heart against him for all the world ; and although the boy trembles and turn pale , and forgets to be boyish when , the fit is on him , nevertheless he goes near and worships , and loses his heart in learning a new language . So kind and soft is love , so tender and sweet-spoken , that you would think he would not so much as ruffle the leaf of a rose , nor breathe too sharply on a violet , lest he should hurt the flower-soul within ; and if you treat him hospitably he is kind to the last , so that when he is gone there is still a sweet savor of him left .