midnight
`` The loyalty , '' said the king , `` of the Duke d'Aumale is too well proven to give offence . '' He sank into his chair , and the film came again over his eyes . `` First , '' said the duke , `` I will read you the letter he brought : '' ` To-night is the anniversary of the dauphin 's death . If he goes , as is his custom , to midnight mass to pray for the soul of his son , the falcon will strike , at the corner of the Rue Esplanade . If this be his intention , set a red light in the upper room at the southwest corner of the palace , that the falcon may take heed . ' `` Peasant , '' said the duke , sternly , `` you have heard these words . Who gave you this message to bring ? ''