midnight
For I dared not do this by daylight , or be seen going forth from my forge in my proper person . '' `` But why did you choose to bathe at midnight ? '' asked the King . She was silent for a few moments , and then said hurriedly , `` I did not choose to bathe at midnight until a month ago . -- For the rest , '' she resumed , `` I was hard to please in the matter of the shoes because I knew that when they were finished you would ride away . And therefore the more you improved the crosser I became . And if I have tormented you for a month it was because you tormented me by refusing to speak when you saw me here , in spite of your hateful vow ; and you would not even look at my cake in the larder . ''