twelve o'clock
He only knew now that he did not crave for her regard , only for her recognition of himself as Jones . She was the door out of the mental trap into which his mind had blundered . These considerations had carried him far into a region of mean streets and suburban houses . It was long after twelve o'clock and he fell to thinking what he should do with himself for the rest of the night . It was impossible to walk about till morning and he determined to return to Carlton House Terrace , let himself in with his latch key and slip upstairs to his room . If by any chance she had not retired for the night and he chanced to meet her on the stairs or in the hall then the confession must be made forthwith . It was after two o'clock when he reached the house .