twelve o'clock
It will serve to explain the manner of yours . I am to call for you during the night to receive assurance that you have read the manuscript . You know me well enough to expect me . But , my friend , it _ will be after twelve o'clock . _ May God have mercy on our souls ! Before the man who was reading this manuscript had finished , the candle had been picked up and lighted . When the reader had done , he quietly thrust the paper against the flame and despite the protestations of the others held it until it was burnt to ashes .