midnight
_ '' So she knew me also . That night there was feasting at the palace , and I , Olaf , now known as Michael , as a convert was one of the chief guests , so that for me there was no escape . I sat very silent , so silent that the Augusta frowned , though she was too far off to speak to me . The banquet came to an end at last and before midnight I was free to go , still without word from the Empress , who withdrew herself , as I thought in an ill-humour . I sought my bed , but in it knew little of sleep . I had found her for whom during all the long years I had been searching , though I did not understand that I was searching . After the ages I had found her and she had found me .