midnight
`` And I , sire . '' But the Chancellor watched him from under his shaggy brows . The messenger had escaped . By now Karl knew the story , knew of his midnight ride over the mountains ; and the haste it indicated . He sheathed himself in dignity ; did the Chancellor , held his head high and moved ponderously , as became one who came to talk of important matters , but not to ask a boon . Karl himself led the way to his study , ignoring the chamberlain , and stood aside to let Mettlich enter . Then he followed and closed the door .