twelve o'clock
He reached his desk . `` I wish I had a half of whisky , '' said the young man to himself . Before , however , twelve o'clock arrived he had journeyed on the hopeful pinions of youth from the dogmatic `` could not be '' to the equally immovable `` is not , '' and his mind resumed its interrupted equilibrium . At twelve o'clock Mrs. and Miss MacMahon arrived , and were at once shown into the private office . At ten minutes past , Mr. Murphy 's respectful tap was heard . `` Do n't , Eddie , '' said Mrs. MacMahon in a queer , flurried voice . `` Come in , '' said her husband .