twelve o'clock
Not wishing to disturb him , the widow said no more . She strained her eyes to see through the gathering darkness , but not a boat that could be the right one appeared in sight . After waiting nearly an hour she returned to the cottage . She sat up until twelve o'clock , watching and waiting , and went to bed . `` If something had happened they would let me know , '' she said to herself . `` He must have taken out some party and been detained . He will surely come back by to-morrow noon . ''