the hour of twelve
`` I should not ask you to pass through this ordeal were it not for your guardian . His astonishment at the announcement of our marriage will be so honest and unacted that even the suspicious Mayence can not accuse him of connivance in what we have done . Of course , the strength of my position is that I have but carried out the formal request of their three Lordships ; a request which has never been rescinded . '' Before she could reply the hour of twelve rang forth . The deferential Herr Durnberg entered from the Wahlzimmer , and softly approached them . `` Your Highness , '' he said , `` my Lords , the Electors , request your presence in the Wahlzimmer . '' `` How many are there , Romer-meister ? ''