midnight
`` Sergeant Nixon , '' said Maria , in one of her sweetest tones , as she moved her horse towards the non-commissioned officer in passing . The Sergeant touched his cap with marked respect . `` Should anything occur to detain us in our ride , let this packet be given to Mrs. Headley . Mind , Sergeant , certainly not before midnight . '' `` Your command shall be obeyed , Mrs. Ronayne . Should you return before midnight , it will be found with me ; if not , I shall at once carry it to Mrs. Headley . '' `` Just so .