midnight
` What matters it ? In my cause they shall fight ! ' said the feudal Lady , ` for me and my daughter ! ' And as the pastor uttered a sound of interrogative astonishment , she continued -- ` As soon as I am well enough , Blaise will send out messages , and they will meet me at midnight at the cross-roads , Martin and all , for dear good Martin is quite well now , and we shall ride across country , avoiding towns , wherever I choose to lead them . I had thought of Chantilly , for I know M. de Montmorency would stand my friend against a Guisard ; but now , now I know you , sir , let me escort you to La Rochelle , and do your cause service worthy of Nid de Merle and Ribaumont ! ' And as she sat up on her bed , she held up her little proud head , and waved her right hand with the grace and dignity of a queen offering an alliance of her realm . Maitre Gardon , who had hitherto seen her as a childish though cheerful and patient sufferer , was greatly amazed , but he could not regard her project as practicable , or in his conscience approve it ; and after a moment 's consideration he answered , ` I am a man of peace , Lady , and seldom side with armed men , nor would I lightly make one of those who enroll themselves against the King . '