twelve o'clock
Duroy thought the matter had terminated with a letter of apology ; his heart gave a bound and he stammered : `` Ah -- thank you ! '' Rival continued : `` M. Langremont has accepted every condition . Twenty-five paces , fire when the pistol is leveled and the order given . '' Then he added : `` Now let us lunch ; it is past twelve o'clock . '' They repaired to a neighboring restaurant . Duroy was silent . He ate that they might not think he was frightened , and went in the afternoon with Boisrenard to the office , where he worked in an absent , mechanical manner .