twelve o'clock
Gianbattista understood Marzio 's character , and in his mind tried to construct the future out of the present . He endeavoured to follow out what he supposed to be the chiseller 's train of thought to its inevitable conclusion , and the more he reflected on the situation the more certain he became that Lucia 's hypothesis was untenable . It was not conceivable , under any circumstances whatever , that Marzio should suddenly turn into a gentle , forgiving creature , anxious only for the welfare of others , and willing to sacrifice his own inclinations and schemes to that laudable end . At twelve o'clock , Marzio appeared , cold , silent , and preoccupied . His manner did not encourage the idea entertained by Lucia , though the girl explained it to herself on the ground that her father was ashamed of having yielded so easily , and was unwilling to have it thought that he was too good-natured . There was truth in her idea , and it showed a good deal of common sense and appreciation of character . But it was not the whole truth .