nearly twelve o'clock
Whatever other conclusion I might have come to , however , one thing at least was certain : that was , that my original supposition was a correct one . There was a tremendous mystery somewhere . Whether or not I was to lose my interest in it after Friday remained to be seen . It was nearly twelve o'clock by the time I entered my hotel ; but late as it was I found time to examine the letter rack . It contained two envelopes bearing my name , and taking them out I carried them with me to my room . One , to my delight , bore the postmark of Port Said , and was addressed in my sweetheart 's handwriting . You may guess how eagerly I tore it open , and with what avidity I devoured its contents .