twelve o'clock
`` I 'll go to him , '' she said . `` Thank you , Davy -- the letter 's all right . '' The boy nodded and vanished , and Hester , taking up her basket , went slowly downstairs . At twelve o'clock that day she stood by Will 's side in his dreary little cell . She was allowed to see him for a few minutes without the presence of a third person . Will had lost somewhat of his bronze ; his face was thin and pale ; and Hester , going up to him , and clasping his hands , was about to burst forth into a distressful wail at his changed appearance , when he stopped her . `` We ha ' no time , Hetty .