twelve o'clock
However , she cut a small piece of bread , and began to devour it solemnly with her little white teeth . `` I prophesy that it wo n't be long before you dispose of this saucer of preserve , Martita . The thing is to begin . The worst of it is , it 's now twelve o'clock , and at dinner-time I sha n't have any appetite . -- Yet I do n't know how far that 's certain , for my stomach is a good one ! -- Martita , do n't be foolish , but eat this preserve , which you will find appetizing . '' While Ricardo was bringing his task of feasting and chattering to an end , Genoveva came into the dining-room , saying , -- `` The Señorita Maria has a little headache and is resting in her room . ''