twelve o’clock
Now , if you have time to let me make a few explanations -- '' The minister , who was sitting before his desk with his back to the fireplace , turned round to look at the clock . `` Look here , my dear fellow , '' he said , `` I 'm afraid you will be long , and I have a hungry pack outside there waiting for me . I should n't listen to you comfortably . Do me the favor to go and take a walk and come back at twelve o'clock to breakfast . I 'll present you to Madame de Rastignac , whom you do n't know , I think , and after breakfast we will take a few turns in the garden ; then I can listen to you in peace . '' `` Very good , I accept that arrangement , '' said the colonel , rising . As he crossed the waiting-room , he said , -- `` Messieurs , I have not delayed you long , I hope . ''