twelve o'clock
`` I have been standing here some time ; that is all . '' Billy threw a hurried glance down the far-reaching line that she knew had formed since the girl 's two tired feet had taken their first position . `` But you must have come -- so early ! It is n't twelve o'clock yet , '' she faltered . A slight smile curved Alice Greggory 's lips . `` Yes , it was early , '' she rejoined a little bitterly ; `` but it had to be , you know . I wanted to hear the music ; and with this soloist , and this weather , I knew that many others -- would want to hear the music , too . ''