the hour of twelve
For a reason that was almost similar George negatived the impulse which bade him meet his Mary at the station , walk with her to the house , and leave her before the gates . For , supposing again that she were accepted and came to Herons ' Holt , this suspicious meeting would come flying to Mr. Marrapit upon the breezes that whirl in and out of every cranny and nook in small communities . Towns are blind and deaf ; villages have peeping eyes , straining ears , loose mouths , that pry and listen and whisper . Almost upon the hour of twelve there came to the agitated young man 's ears a ring that could be none other than hers . He tip-toed to the banisters ; peered below . His Mary was ushered in . While she stood behind the maid who tapped on Mr. Marrapit 's door , she glanced up .