Midnight
`` And now -- oh , I know you are dying to read your letter -- of course you are , so pray sir , -- go back and fetch my fan , -- here it is , it will serve as an excuse , while I go on to look at the horses . '' And with a quick , smiling nod , she hurried away across the paddock after the others . Then Barnabas broke the seal of Cleone 's letter , and -- though to be sure it might have been longer -- he found it all sufficient . Here it is : The Palace Grange , Eltham , Midnight . Ever Dearest , -- The race is to-morrow and , because I love you greatly , so am I greatly afraid for you . And dear , I love you because you are so strong , and gentle , and honorable . And therefore , here on my knees I have prayed God to keep you ever in his care , my Barnabas .