twelve o'clock
`` Ah ! '' said Hedwig , beginning to break the envelope . `` Yes , excellency . He desired me to say that it was absolutely and most indubitably necessary that your excellency should be at the little door to-night at twelve o'clock . Do not fear , Signora Contessina ; we can manage it very well . '' `` I do not wish to know what you advise me to fear , or not to fear , '' answered Hedwig , haughtily ; for she could not bear to feel that the man should counsel her or encourage her . `` Pardon , excellency ; I thought -- '' began Temistocle humbly ; but Hedwig interrupted him .