twelve o'clock
`` Nothing ; you must not plague me with questions , '' he answered , with more irritation than I ever remember him to have displayed before ; and seeing that I looked wounded , I suppose , he kissed me , and added , `` You shall know all about it in a day or two ; that is , all that I know . In the meantime you are not to trouble your head about it . '' He turned and left the room , but came back before I had done wondering and puzzling over the oddity of all this ; it was merely to say that he was going to Karnstein , and had ordered the carriage to be ready at twelve , and that I and Madame should accompany him ; he was going to see the priest who lived near those picturesque grounds , upon business , and as Carmilla had never seen them , she could follow , when she came down , with Mademoiselle , who would bring materials for what you call a picnic , which might be laid for us in the ruined castle . At twelve o'clock , accordingly , I was ready , and not long after , my father , Madame and I set out upon our projected drive . Passing the drawbridge we turn to the right , and follow the road over the steep Gothic bridge , westward , to reach the deserted village and ruined castle of Karnstein . No sylvan drive can be fancied prettier . The ground breaks into gentle hills and hollows , all clothed with beautiful wood , totally destitute of the comparative formality which artificial planting and early culture and pruning impart .