midnight
Ah , Durward , were I your sister , and could you promise me shelter in some of those mountain-glens which you love to describe , where for charity , or for the few jewels I have preserved , I might lead an unharassed life , and forget the lot I was born to , that were indeed a prospect for which it were worth risk of further censure to wander farther and wider ! '' The tenderness of voice with which the Countess Isabelle made this admission , at once filled Quentin with joy , and cut him to the very heart . `` Lady , '' he said at last , `` I should act foully against my honour did I suffer you to think I have power in Scotland to afford you other protection than that of the poor arm which is now by your side . Our castle was stormed at midnight , and all were cut off that belonged to my name . Even had the King of Scotland a desire to do me justice , he dared not , for the sake of one poor individual , provoke a chief who rides with five hundred horse . '' `` Alas ! '' said the Countess , `` there is no corner of the world safe from oppression !