midnight
Sad is the necessity which compels me to invade the retirement of a lady whom I hold in all honor and respect , and who has it in her power to make our whole Commonwealth her grateful debtors . '' `` Speak quickly , sir , '' said the lady , `` that I may the sooner be rid of your intrusive presence . '' `` You know me not , madam , nor my kind intentions , else would you not indulge this scorn . '' `` If to break open the house of a defenceless woman at midnight , to batter down the door of her chamber , to intrude therein , and to insult her , besides , with base suspicions , be your kindness , what must be your cruelty ? '' `` Necessity , madam -- necessity must be our excuse . We will have Sir Christopher Gardiner , dead or alive . Judge by the importance which we attach to his capture , how great will be our gratitude , and the reward of him who shall enable us to lay hands on the traitor . ''