twelve o'clock
the blessed Virgin forbid ! I 'd cut my hand off o ' me , afore I 'd spake a word about it ; only that -- '' `` Whisht ! woman -- for mercy 's sake -- do n't -- '' And so they would separate , each crossing herself devoutly . The meeting at Cassidy 's was to take place that day at twelve o'clock ; but , about two hours before the appointed time , Anne , who had been in some of the other houses , came into her father 's , quite pale , breathless and trembling . `` Oh ! '' she exclaimed , with clasped hands , whilst the tears fell fast from her eyes , `` we 'll be lost , ruined ; did yez hear what 's in the neighborhood wid the Cassidys ? '' `` Girl , '' said the father , with more severity than he had ever manifested to her before , `` I never yet riz my hand to you , but _ ma corp an duowol _ , if you open your lips , I 'll fell you where you stand .