twelve o'clock
`` Yes , dear , '' replied Elizabeth simply . Some whispered word of General Herbert 's or the deputy 's reached them in the interval of silence that ensued . Then presently in that silence they had both feared to break , the court-house bell rang again . It was twelve o'clock . Elizabeth rose . `` I am going now -- John -- '' she said , in a voice so low that he scarcely heard her . `` I am going home .