twelve o'clock
But the _ rigodon _ was over and the little group was augmented by the arrival of several other couples . Some came , and others went , until at last the lady found herself surrounded by fresh people . Another waltz was danced , and another . Then twelve o'clock struck from the cathedral clock . And as the young people showed no sign of dispersing , Manin , according to the custom of the house , appeared by Don Pedro 's order at the drawing-room door with an armful of wraps belonging to the ladies . This was the signal for withdrawal adopted by the Señor de Quiñones at his parties . It was not very courteous , but nobody was offended ; on the contrary , it was received in good part and considered a pleasant sort of joke .