fourteen minutes past twelve
But by that time the harm had been done . Several of the congregation had been roused from their beds to hear his lamentations , of whom the men sympathized with him , while the wives triumphed austerely over Bell Dundas . As I wrung poor Sandy 's hand , I hardly noticed that a bright light showed distinctly between the shutters of his kitchen-window ; but the elder himself turned pale and breathed quickly . It was then fourteen minutes past twelve . My heart sank within me on the following forenoon , when Sandy Whamond walked , with a queer twitching face , into the front pew under a glare of eyes from the body of the kirk and the laft . An amazed buzz went round the church , followed by a pursing up of lips and hurried whisperings . Evidently Sandy had been driven to it against his own judgment .