A quarter past eleven
The mother and child disappeared within the church doors and left the Square to the two . Even the hotel showed no signs of life , for the wise men were not allowed to foregather on Sundays . The organ had ceased to stir the air and all was in quiet , yet a quiet which , for Louden , was not peace . He looked at his watch and , without intending it , spoke the hour aloud : `` A quarter past eleven . '' The sound of his own voice gave him a little shock ; he rose without knowing why , and , as he did so , it seemed to him that he heard close to his ear another voice , a woman 's , troubled and insistent , but clear and sweet , saying : `` REMEMBER ! ACROSS MAIN STREET BRIDGE AT NOON ! '' It was so distinct that he started and looked round .