twelve o'clock
When English news had been discussed , their talk turned again to Egypt . Margaret greatly desired to study Arabic ; but although her brother could speak it extremely well , she knew that he had no time to teach her . It amazed her how much he had had to learn and had learned during his years in Egypt . It was after twelve o'clock when the trio parted for the night . When Meg was alone in her room , a certain reaction set in ; she felt tired and just a little depressed . She wanted to do so much and she knew so little . Beyond the name Rameses she had not recognized the name of one of the kings her brother had mentioned during their conversation that evening -- indeed , she had failed to grasp the meaning of almost everything he had said , and yet she knew that he was talking down to her level , or thought he was .