twelve o’clock
Oh fie , fie ! ' The locksmith was going to interpose , but he stopped him : ` On any other subject , Mr Varden , I shall be delighted -- I shall be charmed -- to converse with you , but I owe it to my own character not to pursue this topic for another moment . ' ` Think better of it , sir , when I am gone , ' returned the locksmith ; ` think better of it , sir . Although you have , thrice within as many weeks , turned your lawful son , Mr Edward , from your door , you may have time , you may have years to make your peace with HIM , Sir John : but that twelve o'clock will soon be here , and soon be past for ever . ' ` I thank you very much , ' returned the knight , kissing his delicate hand to the locksmith , ` for your guileless advice ; and I only wish , my good soul , although your simplicity is quite captivating , that you had a little more worldly wisdom . I never so much regretted the arrival of my hairdresser as I do at this moment . God bless you !