midnight
whispered Madeline , earnestly . Upon every man in the castle did the countess urge the dangerous mission -- she entreated , she threatened , she offered the most liberal , the most tempting rewards ; but the boldest rejected them with dismay . The Scottish army lay encompassing them around -- their sentinels were upon the watch almost at every step , and to venture beyond the gate of the castle seemed but to meet death and to seek it . `` At midnight have my fleetest horse in readiness , '' said Sir William , addressing his attendant -- `` what no man dare , I will ! '' `` My brother ! -- thanks ! -- thanks ! ''