one hour after midnight
` Tis seven leagues to Le Portel , and we must be there before dawn . '' `` Sir Andrew 's intention was to make for Calais first , there to open communication with the Day-Dream and then for Le Portel , '' said Marguerite ; `` after that he meant to strike back for the Chateau d'Ourde in search of me . '' `` Then we 'll still find him at Le Portel -- I shall know how to lay hands on him ; but you two must get aboard the Day-Dream at once , for Ffoulkes and I can always look after ourselves . '' It was one hour after midnight when -- refreshed with food and rest -- Marguerite , Armand and Sir Percy left the half-way house . Marguerite was standing in the doorway ready to go . Percy and Armand had gone ahead to bring the coach along . `` Percy , '' whispered Armand , `` Marguerite does not know ? ''