midnight
They heard a heavy step upon the stairs and the clank of a sword against the rails . The door opened , and Bothwell , wrapped in his scarlet cloak , stood bending his tall shoulders under the low lintel . His gleaming eyes , so oddly mocking in their glance , for all that his face was set , fell upon Darnley , and with their look flung him into an inward state of blending fear and rage . `` Your Grace , '' said Bothwell 's deep voice , `` it is close upon midnight . '' He came no more than in time ; it needed the sight of him with its reminder of all that he meant to her to sustain a purpose that was being sapped by pity . `` Very well , '' she said . `` I come . ''