midnight
` It is Ballenkeiroch , ' he said , in an under and confidential voice , ` father of the young man who fell eight years since in the unlucky affair at the mains . ' ` Ah ! ' said the Baron , instantly relaxing the doubtful sternness of his features , ` I can take mickle frae a man to whom I have unhappily rendered sic a displeasure as that . Ye were right to apprise me , Glennaquoich ; he may look as black as midnight at Martinmas ere Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine shall say he does him wrang . Ah ! I have nae male lineage , and I should bear with one I have made childless , though you are aware the blood-wit was made up to your ain satisfaction by assythment , and that I have since expedited letters of slains . Weel , as I have said , I have no male issue , and yet it is needful that I maintain the honour of my house ; and it is on that score I prayed ye for your peculiar and private attention . '