about twelve o’clock
Before either Gorman or I attempted to make any answer Ascher himself came into the room . I certainly did not expect to see him . Mrs. Ascher was , I am sure , as much surprised as I was . It was about twelve o'clock and at that hour Ascher is always in his office . He crossed the room quietly . He greeted Gorman and me without a sign that our presence was unexpected or unwelcome . He went to his wife and took her hand in his .