eleven o'clock
He gave Flavia credit for all the virtues , if for some of the faults of a proud , untamed nature . Therefore he believed her to be fearless . Nevertheless , before he stood on the platform and made out the shape of the Tower looming dark and huge above him , he had come to the conclusion that the need which forced her to such a place at such an hour must be great . The moon would not rise before eleven o'clock , the last shimmer of the water had faded into unfathomable blackness beneath him ; he had to tread softly and with care to avoid the brink . He peered about him , hoping to see her figure emerge beside him . He did not , and , disappointed , he coughed . Finally , in a subdued voice , he called her by name , once and twice .