nearly twelve o'clock
Now that I know you 're as keen on it as I am myself , I think I may pledge you my word that it will come off this afternoon . But , if so , I must leave you now . Good-bye . '' It was nearly twelve o'clock when Meldon left Sir Gilbert Hawkesby . He walked rapidly down to Ballymoy House , and seized his bicycle . Miss King , who had been watching for him , ran out and invited him to stay for luncheon . Meldon excused himself briefly on the plea of really urgent business .