nine o'clock
`` You must go , '' said she , `` for at any moment you may be tracked and discovered , and then -- '' `` And then -- what ? '' I answered , smiling . `` Do you think , Mistress Jean , that I , who travelled for miles through the snow and the storm last night to catch one glimpse of your face , that I , who at last stand in your presence , would give a thought to the noose around my neck ? '' But she would not let me say her nay , and then her terror grew , until at last she told me that Lord Howe sometimes came home with her father at nine o'clock to talk over the plans of the spring campaign , and that every moment she expected to hear their voices in the hall . `` The sight of your face , Mistress Jean , has repaid me for my journey ; but if you bid me go , why , then , it is fate , and go I must . '' Then a thought came to me . `` Mistress Jean , tell me this before I leave in the enemy 's camp all that is dearest on earth to me : tell me if you love that Highlander , if you care for him . ''