two hours after midnight
`` It must be sudden and secret , '' said the Countess ; `` the island is full of spies ; and I would not wish that any of them should have notice that an envoy of mine was about to leave Man for London . Can you be ready to go on board to-morrow ? '' `` To-night -- this instant if you will , '' said Julian , -- `` my little preparations are complete . '' `` Be ready , then , in your chamber , at two hours after midnight . I will send one to summon you , for our secret must be communicated , for the present , to as few as possible . A foreign sloop is engaged to carry you over ; then make the best of your way to London , by Martindale Castle , or otherwise , as you find most advisable . When it is necessary to announce your absence , I will say you are gone to see your parents .