midnight
But this bet was what compelled me to drag you all from Kadolzburg and its charms so early , and induce you to attend me on the reckless ride through the moonlit night . Now accept the thanks of a lady whose heart is grateful ; for your obedience helped me win the wager . Look yonder at my handsome , submissive knight , Sir Heinz Schorlin , so rich in every virtue . I commanded , him , on pain of my anger , to meet me at midnight at the entrance of our quarters -- that is , the entry of the Ortlieb mansion ; and to this modest and happy betrothed bride -LRB- may she pardon the madcap ! -RRB- I represented how it troubled me and wounded my timid delicacy to enter so late at night , accompanied only by gentlemen , the house which so hospitably sheltered us , and go to my sleeping room , though I should not fear the Sultan and his mamelukes , if with this in my hand '' -- she motioned to her riding whip -- `` and my dear father at my side , I stood on my own feet which , though by no means small , are well-shod and resolute . Yet , as we are apt to measure others by our own standard , the timid , decorous girl believed me , and poor Cordula , who indeed brought only her maids and no female guardian , and therefore must dispense with being received on her return by a lady capable of commanding respect , did not appeal in vain to the charitable feelings of her beautiful housemate . She promised faithfully to come down into the entry , when the horses approached , to receive the poor lamb , surrounded by lynxes , wild-cats , foxes , and wolves , and lead it into the safe fold -- if one can call this stately house by such a name .