twelve o'clock
In a moment she was out in the moonlit street . How quiet and serene everything appeared . How in contrast to the tumult of her feelings . As she stood , the great bell of St. Paul 's boomingly tolled out the hour -- twelve o'clock . `` He must , '' she whispered to herself , `` he must be home ere now , but what will he think of my coming to him at this time ? '' She tried to thrust this thought aside , and to gain repose of mind by walking more swiftly . Arrived before Winter 's residence , and trying the wicket at the entrance she found it yielded to her touch .