midnight
But his foot was still on the step , and in his whole attitude there was a remote suggestion , distinctly visible to her , that he wished to go , and had no desire for a midnight interview . `` The air is deliciously cool , '' she said , `` the moonlight peaceful and poetic , and the garden inviting . Will you not stay in it awhile ; the hour is not yet late , or is my company so distasteful to you , that you are in a hurry to rid yourself of it ? '' `` Nay , Madame , '' he rejoined placidly , `` but 't is on the other foot the shoe happens to be , and I 'll warrant you 'll find the midnight air more poetic without my company : no doubt the sooner I remove the obstruction the better your ladyship will like it . '' He turned once more to go . `` I protest you mistake me , Sir Percy , '' she said hurriedly , and drawing a little closer to him ; `` the estrangement , which , alas ! has arisen between us , was none of my making , remember . ''