twelve o’clock
It might be that she _ had _ seen him go out of the gate for the last time . She looked about the room again , as if this thought had given it a new aspect . Yes , this alone could explain her husband 's going out . It was past twelve o'clock , their usual luncheon hour , and he was scrupulously punctual at meals , and gently reproachful if she kept him waiting . Only some unwonted event could have caused him to leave the house at such an hour and with such marks of haste . Well , perhaps it was better that Andora should have spoken . She mistrusted her own courage ; she almost hoped the deed had been done for her .