midnight
I have to trust to you in this , friends , for I have my own part to play , and , by my faith , it is the hardest part I have ever played in my life . '' He laughed as he spoke ; then he drew from his breast another packet and handed it to Passepoil . `` Here , '' he said , `` are three invitations for the king 's ball to-night -- one for the girl you will escort , one for each of you . When you go to the house you will wait till the girl is ready , and then you will escort her to the king 's ball in the Palais Royal at midnight , and bring her into the presence of the king by the royal tent near the round pond of Diana . '' `` I will do that same , '' said Cocardasse , cheerfully . `` Never let her out of your sight at the ball , '' Lagardere insisted . `` Devil a minute , '' Passepoil affirmed .