midnight
But others murmured in pity , and an old peasant woman , in a Breedeen cloak , hobbled to his side and smoothed back his locks . At the touch of her soft hands the shepherd boy opened his eyes , and he saw it was the daughter of the Keeper of the Key disguised . With the connivance of her governess , she had escaped from the mansion as an old peasant woman in a cloak . The shepherd boy secretly kissed her little palms and whispered , `` I must come to you at midnight . As you value your life have the guards taken from the outer door , only for two minutes . Make some pretext . I will give the shepherd 's call and then you must act .