midnight
Ye dinna ken , sir , but that the young woman 's looks are her worst fault ; and , indeed , I hae heard her spoken o ' as a lassie o ' great sense and discretion , and as having an excellent temper ; and , oh , sir , if ye kenned as weel what it is to be married as I do , ye would think that a good temper was a recommendation far before beauty . '' `` Hold thy fool 's tongue , Simon , '' cried the laird ; `` would ye disgrace the family wi ' which ye make it your boast to be connected , when in the power and presence o ' its enemies ? Do as ye see me do -- die and defy them . '' It was drawing towards midnight , when the prison-door was opened , and the sentinel who stood watch over it admitted a female dressed as a domestic . `` What want ye , or whom seek ye , maiden ? '' inquired the laird . `` I come , '' answered she mildly , `` to speak wi ' the laird o ' Harden , and to ask if he has any dying commands that a poor lassie could fulfil for him . ''