twelve o’clock
Revenge his honour ? Yes ! One night , ' pursued Gaston , in a low concentrated voice , grasping Meddlechip 's wrist firmly , and looking at him with fiery eyes , ` Braulard prepared a poison , a narcotic which was quick in its action , fatal in its results . He goes to the house of Adele Blondet at half-past twelve o'clock -- the hour now , ' he said , rapidly swinging round and pointing to the clock on the mantelpiece , which had just struck the half-hour ; ` he found them at supper , ' releasing Meddlechip 's wrist and crossing to the sofa ; ` he sat opposite Kestrike , as he does now , ' leaning forward and glaring at Meddlechip , who shrank back in his chair . ` Adele , at the head of the table , laughs and smiles ; she looks at her old lover and sees murder in his face ; she is ill and retires to her room . Kestrike follows her to see what is the matter . Braulard is left alone ; he produces a bottle and pours its contents into a cup of coffee , waiting for Adele .