midnight
`` Madam , '' replied Plessis , `` you take these things too heavily . But the truth is , I have a fair company coming here , by whom you might not well like to be seen . Far be it from me , if you think otherwise , to disturb you in possession of the apartments . But they come here at midnight to consult , it would seem , upon business of importance ; whereof I know nothing , indeed , but which I know requires secrecy and care . '' `` Business of importance ! '' said the lady , somewhat scornfully -- `` to seat a bigoted dotard on the throne of England ! That is what they come to consult about .