midnight
This precaution was indeed truly prudent . The rancorous heart of Morgan could not forgive the insinuated accusation of Eustace , nor the cold hauteur with which the Doctor hurried over his offer of an alliance , which , in the proposer 's estimation , promised safety , wealth , and honour . He immediately sent information to an officer , who was recruiting for the Parliament , of a young desperate malignant , whom he wished to have pressed into the service , as a mild punishment for contumacy and outrage , and he did not doubt that the appearance of the sequestrators , armed with full powers for immediate dispossession , would terrify Constantia into acquiescence with his wishes , on condition that he would protect her father . The young party left Ribblesdale at midnight , under the escort of Williams . The separation was marked with many tears and many anxious wishes , that they might soon be followed by their faithful guardians . The young ladies felt all the alarm and anxiety of leaving their quiet homes , which is incident to their sex and years ; they were terrified at the thought of sleeping at an inn , and seeing none but strangers ; `` if they should discover who we are , '' said Constantia , `` and deliver us into the power of Morgan ! '' -- Eustace begged her not to be frightened , for he would die sooner than see her exposed to any insult .