midnight
Besides , Wolf 's musical knowledge was as remarkable as his usefulness as a secretary . Lastly , his equable disposition , his unerring sense of propriety , and his well-proved fidelity had gained the full confidence of the royal lady . By the side of the two composers and leaders of the musicians he looked almost boyish , yet , as the regent was overburdened with affairs of state , she confided to him alone the care of the further success of the surprise . He was familiar with the rooms of the Golden Cross , and before midnight would have posted the singers and musicians so that his Majesty would first learn through his ears the pleasure which they intended to bestow upon him . The Queen 's commission imposed upon Wolf a long series of inspections , inquiries , orders , and preparations , the most important of which detained him a long time at the Golden Cross . After he had done what was necessary there , he hastily took a lunch , and then went to the house of the Golden Stag . The steward of the Schiltl family , to whom the house belonged , but who were now in the country , had given the boy choir shelter there , and Wolf was obliged to inform the leader of his arrangements .