twelve o'clock
`` That was not all . I said you would come to me one day sooner or later . '' They had paused at the top of the steps that lead down from the Capitol into the streets and are guarded by the gigantic figures of Castor and Pollux , great masses of discoloured marble set on pedestals on either side . It was twelve o'clock , and a black stream of hungry , desk-weary men poured out of the Capitoline offices . Many turned to look at the English girl as they hurried by , and one passing close to her muttered `` bella '' in her ear . She drew back as though she had been stung . Filippo laughed again .