midnight
`` Yes , let 's , '' said Rosalie , with a shiver . `` I 'm freezing ! '' `` But we must first take the vow , '' insisted Mae Mertelle . `` We ought really to do it at midnight -- but maybe half-past ten will do as well . I 've got it all planned . You two say it after me . '' They joined hands and whispered in turn : `` I most solemnly promise to keep secret the name and object of this society ; and if I break this oath , may I become freckled and bald and squint-eyed and pigeon-toed , now and forever more . ''