midnight
She made no stay then till she was but three paces from him , and then she stooped down and made the sign to him , and then spake to him breathlessly , and said : `` Hearken ! but speak not till I have done : I bade thee to-night 's meeting because I saw that there was one anigh whom I must needs beguile . But by thine oath , and thy love , and all that thou art , I adjure thee come not unto me this night as I bade thee ! but be hidden in the hazel-copse outside the house , as it draws toward midnight , and abide me there . Dost thou hearken , and wilt thou ? Say yes or no in haste , for I may not tarry a moment of time . Who knoweth what is behind me ? ''