a quarter past twelve
I may be late , but I shall certainly report myself here , '' were the parting words of Colonel Morris as he left the room . The duke walked slowly up and down the floor for nearly half an hour , and then he sat down to his desk and employed some hours in writing letters to his family , friends and men of business in England . When he had completed his task he sealed and directed all these letters and locked them in his desk . At a quarter past twelve the colonel returned to the hotel , and immediately presented himself at the duke 's apartments . He entered with a soft smile , and gently sank into a seat . `` Well ? '' inquired the duke .