midnight
She lifted a curtain , and could scarcely believe her eyes when she saw that the trees that had been writhing and moaning in the gale now stood white and spectral as the lamp-light fell upon them . When had the wind ceased ? It seemed as if the calm that had fallen upon her spirit had extended to nature ; that the storm had hushed its rude clamor even while it continued . From the window she watched the white flakes flutter through the light she knew not how long : the old clock chimed out midnight , and then , faint and far away , she thought she heard the sleigh-bells . With swift , silent tread , she rushed to a side door and threw it open . Yes , clear and distinct she now heard them on the mountain road . With a low cry she returned and wakened Maggie , then flew to the old people , and , with a voice that she tried in vain to steady , said , `` They are coming . ''