midnight
was he to be thus mystically cajoled and hurried into a rash marriage , because Zanoni , a mere stranger , told him with a grave face that he must decide before the clock struck a certain hour ? `` Do this at least , '' said Mervale , reasonably enough , -- `` wait till the time expires ; it is but another day . Baffle Zanoni . He tells thee that he will meet thee before midnight to-morrow , and defies thee to avoid him . Pooh ! let us quit Naples for some neighbouring place , where , unless he be indeed the Devil , he can not possibly find us . Show him that you will not be led blindfold even into an act that you meditate yourself .