twelve o'clock
`` It would be better for you to finish what you are doing ; the Holy Virgin will be more thankful to you . '' `` Aye , maybe she would , '' he said , and he continued his work mechanically . He was working at the clustered columns about the window Biddy had chosen for her stained glass , and she did not take her eyes off him . The priest returned a little before twelve o'clock , as the plasterer was going to his dinner , and he asked him if he were feeling better . `` I 'm all right , your reverence , and it wo n't occur again . '' `` I hope he wo n't go down to Michael Dunne 's during his dinner hour , '' he said to Biddy . `` If you see any further sign of drink upon him when he comes back you must tell me . ''