midnight
As soon as grace had been said , the messenger drew the knight aside and handed him the letter . Having perused it , the good knight was much amazed , and still more joyous , for though he had determined in his own mind no longer to seek the love or acquaintance of the writer of the letter , he still felt tempted when the letter promised him that which he most desired in the world . He took his hostess aside , and told her that his master had sent an urgent message , and that he must leave at once -- at which he pretended to feel much vexed , -- and she , who had before been so joyful in the expectation of that she so much desired , became sad and sorrowful . He quietly mounted his horse , and leaving all his comrades behind , arrived with the messenger , soon after midnight , at the castle of the lady , but her husband had just arrived from Court and was then preparing to go to bed , and she , who had sent specially to fetch her lover , was disappointed enough , God knows . The good knight , who had been all day in the saddle , either hunting the hare or seeking for lodgings , heard at the door that the lady 's husband had arrived , and you may guess how joyful he was at the news . He asked his guide what was to be done ? They consulted together , and it was decided that he should pretend to have lost his companions , and , by good chance , met this messenger , who had brought him to the castle .