twelve o'clock
Yet as she spoke there was before her as distinct a picture as ever of what lay waiting and gazing in the room to which she went . Until twelve o'clock she sat at her table , a despatch box by her side , papers outspread before her . Within three feet of her was the divan , but she gave no glance to it , sitting writing , reading , and comparing documents . At twelve o'clock she rose and rang the bell . `` I shall be later than I thought , '' she said . `` I need none of you who are below stairs . Go you all to bed .