midnight
Sedley asked her if it would not be better to secure herself from danger by the protection of a companion . `` If you mean to offer yourself , '' replied she , `` I must say , no . My uncle is constantly dissuading the villagers from attending night-meetings , which , he says , though they may be innocent , yet give occasion for reproach ; and we must be careful not to countenance impropriety , by setting an ill example . '' `` Yet , surely , '' replied Sedley , `` the prudence of these midnight wanderings is not so unquestionable . Were I of a jealous temper , I might imagine some presumptuous rival haunted your avenue , and that I even now detain you from an assignation . '' `` You will think otherwise , '' answered she , `` when I tell you that I say a prayer when I quit my uncle 's house , and a thanksgiving when I return ; and you know , if my excursion were indecorous , I durst not so tempt Providence . I ascribe my meeting you to-night to accident , but I will tell you , dearly as I love you , Arthur , if I thought you watched me from suspicion of my conduct , I would never speak to you more . ''