the hour of twelve
And then a voice , which seemed to run to the uttermost parts of space , spoke , saying , `` There will be no more pain . '' At that an almost intolerable gladness and radiance rushed in upon me , and I saw the circle shining white and bright , and the rod black and shining , and many things else distinct and clear . And the circle was the face of the clock , and the rod the rail of my bed . Haddon was standing at the foot , against the rail , with a small pair of scissors on his fingers ; and the hands of my clock on the mantel over his shoulder were clasped together over the hour of twelve . Mowbray was washing something in a basin at the octagonal table , and at my side I felt a subdued feeling that could scarce be spoken of as pain . The operation had not killed me . And I perceived , suddenly , that the dull melancholy of half a year was lifted from my mind .