midnight
But they were in a hurry and did not wish to enter , although old Zelech insisted , for he was glad to get hold of people in order to chat with them . There was yet , quite a considerable distance from Niedzborz to Ciechanow , and Zbyszko was burning like fire to see Jurand as soon as possible and learn something from him . They therefore rode as fast as they could along the snow-covered road . When they arrived it was already after midnight , and the Christmas feast -LRB- lit-Shepherd ceremony -RRB- was just ended in the castle chapel . Zbyszko heard the lowing of oxen and the bleating of goats , which voices were produced in accordance with the ancient religious custom , in remembrance that the nativity took place in a stable . After the mass , the princess came to Zbyszko . She looked distressed and frightened , and began to question him : `` And Danuska ? ''