midnight
Let me pass . It is death to rebel or soldier who seeks to stay me to-night . '' And throwing down the empty tankard , he went quickly to the door , followed by Baron Petrescu and Stefan . Long before midnight Frina Mavrodin had completed her work of preparation . The servants who were in her confidence had been told of the coming of the Princess . Some were at the main entrance ready to admit her if she came that way ; others were waiting at a small door which opened from the garden into a side street . They were instructed to show surprise , but not consternation , should any officer of the King demand admittance , and servants were stationed on the stairs and in the corridors , a signal arranged between them , so that news of any such demand might be immediately conveyed to the Countess silently , and without any man rushing to her and causing suspicion to those who entered .