midnight
`` Where was I , then ? '' `` You were with the Emperor , of course . That is why the bells are ringing ; the Emperor has returned , as you know , and is resolved to take his proper place at the head of the state , much to the delight of the Empress , I can assure you . But what an anxious time we spent until shortly after midnight , when the Emperor arrived and told us you had been with him . '' `` How came you to be at the Palace ? '' `` It happened in this way . You had hardly left the court last night when his lordship the Archbishop of Cologne came and seemed anxious about the welfare of the Emperor . ''