midnight
-- ` I should , ' replied he , ` be the most unworthy of mankind , if I had not in reality much more than is in the power of words to express , and not look on an opportunity given by you of testifying it , equal to any favour you have bestowed on me . ' The baron was at present in too much agitation of spirit to answer this compliment as he would have done at another time ; and made haste to inform him , that the countess d' Ermand , who on some misunderstanding with her husband , had been confined in a monastery for several months , without any hopes of obtaining her release , had found means to convey a letter to him , earnestly requesting he would assist her in her escape : -- ` she has acquainted me , ' continued he , ` with the plot she has laid ; -- there is nothing impracticable in it ; but I can not do what she desires without the help of some trusty friend , and it is you alone I dare rely upon , in a business , which , if not carefully concealed , as well as resolutely acted , may be of very ill consequence . ' Natura did not greatly relish this piece of knight-errantry ; but as he thought he ought to refuse nothing to the baron , hesitated not to assure him of the most ready compliance ; on which the other told him , he must get two or three of his soldiers , who , disguised like peasants , but well mounted , and their swords concealed under their cloaths , must attend the expedition , and be at hand in case they should meet with any resistance , which , however , he said he did not apprehend , it being but ten small miles to the monastery , the road but little frequented , and the time agreed upon for the execution of the project twelve at night ; so there was no great danger of any interruption , unless some unfortunate accident should happen . -- ` The lady , ' continued he , ` informs me she has observed the place where the portress constantly hangs up the key of the outer gate every night , and when the nuns are gone into the chapel to their midnight devotions , can easily slip out : -- we have only therefore to be there exactly at the time , and be ready to receive her ; and as for the rest , I have already provided a place where she may remain undiscovered , till something can be done for her . ' The baron added many things concerning the ill treatment she had received ; but Natura did not give himself any trouble to examine into the merits of the cause , it was sufficient for him to do what he requested of him ; and that night being the same had been appointed by the lady for the business to be done , he went immediately about preparing for it . Accordingly , he selected from out of his troop three who seemed most proper to be employed in such an enterprize , and after having sworn them to secrecy in whatever they saw , or should happen , though without acquainting them with the main of the affair , or mentioning the baron d' Eyrac , told them in what manner they were to disguise themselves , and ordered they should attend him at the Fauxbourg , a little after ten o'clock the same night . Rejoiced at an opportunity of obliging their officer , especially as they doubted not of being well gratified , each gave a thousand oaths instead of the one required of him , to be both punctual and faithful in the discharge of the trust reposed in him .