a quarter past twelve
A certain sort of gay and dissipated look , which he had previously borne , was altogether gone : within the last few months he had become paler and thinner , and his countenance had assumed an air of gloom which did not even leave it when he laughed . As Wilton now advanced towards him , he could not but feel that there was something dignified and imposing in his aspect ; and yet it caused him a strange sensation , to think that he was going into the King 's presence in company with a man whom he had actually first met upon the King 's Highway . `` I am glad you have come early , Wilton , '' said Green . `` The King returns from the chapel at a quarter past twelve , and expects us to be in waiting at that hour , when he will see us . This is no slight favour , I find , Wilton , '' he added , `` for the palace is full of courtiers , all eager and pressing for royal attention . Let us go immediately , then , and ride slowly up to the palace . '' They mounted their horses accordingly , and rode on , speaking a few words from time to time , but not , indeed , absolutely conversing , for both were far too thoughtful , and too much impressed with the importance of the act they were about to perform , to leave the tongue free and unfettered .