the hour of twelve
He kneeled by the bed , at the side of his wife , and thanked God that his dear one was restored . Suddenly he rose to his feet and spoke aloud , quietly , but clearly : `` Did you not hear someone calling ? '' His face was pale but peaceful . He bent down and kissed Clara , embraced his sons , drew his wife to him , and placed his hand on Bessie 's head ; then , as if in answer to a command , he gently kneeled down again by his chair and as his lips moved in prayer the clock struck once more the hour of twelve . He continued kneeling there , nearer God than he had ever been in all his life before . Thus Robert Hardy 's Seven Days came to an end .