midnight
And therewith he swung merrily into the litten hall . But Walter went out into the moonlit night , and wandered about for an hour or more , and stole warily into the hall and thence into his own chamber . There he did off that royal array , and did his own raiment upon him ; he girt him with sword and knife , took his bow and quiver , and stole down and out again , even as he had come in . Then he fetched a compass , and came down into the hazel-coppice from the north , and lay hidden there while the night wore , till he deemed it would lack but little of midnight . There he abode amidst the hazels , hearkening every littlest sound ; and the sounds were nought but the night voices of the wood , till suddenly there burst forth from the house a great wailing cry . Walter 's heart came up into his mouth , but he had no time to do aught , for following hard on the cry came the sound of light feet close to him , the boughs were thrust aside , and there was come the Maid , and she but in her white coat , and barefoot . And then first he felt the sweetness of her flesh on his , for she caught him by the hand and said breathlessly : `` Now , now !