midnight
If Caspar were but here , I should feel less wretched . '' `` And yet , as a soldier of the imperial army , he is in less danger than he would be , as a civilian of Esslingen . I thank Heaven , dear Marie , that your betrothed is not here . At least he fights face to face , with arms in hand ; while we -- oh , what weapon can avail against midnight murder and incendiarism ? '' `` And yet , '' sighed Marie . `` I would he were here to protect me ! '' `` He would not be allowed to protect you , for , had he seen the familiarity of that despot yesterday , he would in all probability have lost his life in your defence . ''