twelve o’clock
That did not interest him in the least , and the news of Parliament and the police courts might as well have been written in Sanscrit for all the impression it made upon him . He endured his own impatience resolutely for the stated time , and then walked back to the hotel . His messenger had not yet returned , but there in the vestibule was Ralston , in his brigandish sombrero and his black velvet jacket , looking so fit and wholesome that Paul envied him . ` I have just met two of the boys , ' said Ralston , ` and we are going to breakfast at the Poule d'Or at twelve o'clock . Will you make one of us ? I can promise you good talk , and honest fare , and wholesome wine . ' ` I should like it , ' Paul answered awkwardly ; ` but the fact is , I ca n't tell whether I am free to go .