The twilight gradually faded away.

The flickering flame, which rose from the fire in the fire-place, seemed to grow brighter as the daylight disappeared, and to illuminate the whole interior of the room, so as to give it a genial and cheerful expression.

Mary Erskine gradually became calm.

The children, first the baby, and then Bella, fell asleep.

Finally Mary Erskine herself, who was by this time entirely exhausted with watching, care, and sorrow, fell asleep too.