midnight
`` I have suffered imprisonment long enough for King Charles 's sake , '' said the Countess ; `` and have no mind to undergo it at his hand . Besides , if I am removed from the personal superintendence of my son 's dominions in Man , I know not what new usurpation may be attempted there . I must be obliged to you , cousin , to contrive that I may get in security to Vale Royal , and from thence I know I shall be guarded safely to Liverpool . '' `` You may rely on my guidance and protection , noble lady , '' answered her host , `` though you had come here at midnight , and with the rogue 's head in your apron , like Judith in the Holy Apocrypha , which I joy to hear once more read in churches . '' `` Do the gentry resort much to the Court ? '' said the lady . `` Ay , madam , '' replied Sir Geoffrey ; `` and according to our saying , when miners do begin to bore in these parts , it is _ for the grace of God , and what they there may find _ . ''