twelve o'clock
Effie 's feelings could no longer withstand these appeals . Her sobbing ceased suddenly ; and , starting up from her seat , she looked to the old clock that stood against the wall of the cottage . She noticed that it was upon the hour of the Laird 's usual visit . `` It is twelve o'clock , faither , '' she said , firmly -- `` this hoor decides the fate o ' Effie Mearns . '' Walking to the door , she placed herself in the position she used to occupy when she intended to welcome her father 's friend . Now she was to welcome a husband . Laird Cherrytrees was , as might have been expected , allowing Donald to take his liberty of the road-side , grazing while he was busy reconnoitering the cottage .