midnight
`` By heaven I pity her ! '' said Santerre . `` I do n't know what has come to me tonight , that I should trouble myself with the cares of a swarm of aristocrats . '' And then he said , addressing Agatha , `` Are you ready and willing , young woman , for a midnight ride with this hot young lover , who seems so fond of you ? '' `` She must be ready , General Santerre , '' said Denot , taking hold of Agatha 's hand : `` it is now my turn to command her : she must be ready , whether she be willing or no . '' `` You will not force me to leave my father ? '' said Agatha , appealing to Santerre .