twelve o'clock before
He never took to you , I know , but he always did to Elmira . '' Jerome said no more . He lighted a candle , took his parcel of new clothes , and went up-stairs to his chamber . It was twelve o'clock before Lawrence Prescott went home . Jerome had not gone to bed ; he was waiting to speak to his sister . When he heard her step on the stairs he opened his door . Elmira , candle in hand , came slowly up the stair , holding her skirt up lest she trip over it .