midnight
`` I understand , sir , '' he replied in a low voice . `` You mean that I must go ? '' Joseph waited a moment before replying . Then : `` It is past midnight , '' he said slowly , `` and the weather is wild . You may lie here until morning , if you are so minded . But go you must then , '' he added sternly . `` I need scarce say , sir , that you must have no speech with Mistress Cynthia , nor that never again must you set foot within Castle Marleigh . ''