midnight
Yet what could there be for such as he to combat with ? '' He had thought of this very thing when he had seen his Grace pass to his coach which was to bear him to the entertainment at his kinsman 's house . The man , who had grown used to silent observance of him , had seen in his face the thing he deplored , while he did not comprehend it . At midnight he sate in his room , which adjoined his Grace 's study , and in which he was ever within call . '' 'T is a thing perhaps none but a woman could understand , '' he said to himself in quiet thought . The clock began to strike twelve . One -- two -- three -- four -- five -- six -- But the rest he did not hear .