midnight
Old Gerard nodded , as one little surprised ; but to Young Gerard this mention of a wedding at Combe Ivy came as news . It did not stir him much , however , for he was not curious about the doings of the master and the house he never saw ; all that concerned him was that to-day , at least , he must cease to listen on the hills , since his young mistress would be at the wedding with the others . Old Gerard said to the stranger , `` Keep the straight track to the south till you come under Wepham , then follow the valley to the east , and so you 'll be in time for the feasting , master . '' `` That 's certain , '' said the stranger , `` for the Lord of Combe Ivy and the Rough Master of Coates have had no peers at junketing since Gay Street lost its Lord ; and the feast is like to go on till midnight . '' With that he went on his way , and Old Gerard followed him with his eyes , muttering , `` Would I also were there ! But for you , '' he said , turning on the young man with a sudden snarl , `` I should be ! Had ye not come a day too late , I 'd be a freedman to-night instead of to-morrow , and junketing at the wedding with the rest . ''