midnight
` You are very much interested ; is it not so ? ' Rallywood started . The Countess spoke petulantly . ` Do you not know , ' she added , ` that the custom in Révonde holds you to the partner with whom you find yourself when midnight rings ? Valerie Selpdorf is embarrassed with partners -- my cousin Anthony Unziar , who desires perhaps herself , but most certainly her fortune , and our delightful German Minister , who uses all means that come to hand to win Maäsau for his master ! But I should not say these foolish things to you , who are of the other party . ' They were dancing by this time , her head near his shoulder , her voice soft in his bending ear .