midnight
He was gradually bringing the unhappy woman into what he called `` a heavenly mind '' -- the influence of her daughters , he was sure , would be that of worldly affections and sinful liberty . And Rachela obeyed the confessor so faithfully , that the Senora was almost in a state of solitary confinement . Every day her will was growing weaker , her pathetic obedience more childlike and absolute . But at midnight , when every one was asleep , Antonia stepped softly into her sister 's room and talked to her . They sat in Isabel 's bed clasping each other 's hand in the dark , and speaking in whispers . Then Antonia warned and strengthened Isabel . She told her all her fears .