twelve o’clock
`` What does that matter ? '' returned Vernou . `` She will take offence if we do n't go ; and you are very glad of her when you have a bill to discount . '' `` This wife of mine , my dear boy , can never be made to understand that a supper engagement for twelve o'clock does not prevent you from going to an evening party that comes to an end at eleven . She is always with me while I work , '' he added . `` You have so much imagination ! '' said Lucien , and thereby made a mortal enemy of Vernou .