twelve
o'clock
`` You bet we did , '' said Allen heartily . `` There was n't one of us who doubted him for a minute . '' `` I wonder when he 'll get here , '' said Amy , rising slowly and strolling over to the window . `` I hope the colonel lets him out before twelve o'clock . '' `` Oh , he 'll be here almost any minute now , '' said Allen reassuringly . `` Meanwhile , suppose you play something for us , Betty -- something soft and sweet to match the firelight -- and you , '' this last so softly that none but Betty heard . Smiling a little , Betty rose and walked over to the piano .