half past twelve
`` Will you give my mother and myself a little time to consult what is to be done ? '' he asked . `` Yes , '' said the squire , feeling that he had carried his point . `` I might refuse , of course , but I wish to be easy with you and therefore I will give you till half past twelve . I will be back at that time . '' He took his cane and left the house . His reference to the post office reminded Herbert of the letter he had in his pocket for his mother .