Twelve o’clock
It is but a short distance from where we stand . '' In a few moments , they were both engaged in the most earnest conversation , and evidently entering into some stipulation that was to be carried out without delay . On nearing her residence , however , the stranger expressed his opinion , that it were better that he should return to the city at once , and make some arrangements in connection with the subject of their conversation , whatever that was ; enforcing upon her , in the meantime , the most profound secrecy , and the strange necessity , above all things , of not informing any of her friends or relations of the project upon which they had decided . `` Twelve o'clock , at the Lower Ferry , then ! '' observed the stranger , as he turned his face towards the city . `` Twelve o'clock ! '' she returned .