twelve o'clock
He saw that Bertha , for reasons of her own , was very much against this course , and he resolved to keep out of her way . He rose early and went for a long ride before breakfast . He did not return until he knew Bertha would be busy over household matters , and Mrs. Aylmer would in all probability be alone in her private sitting-room . He tapped at her door between eleven and twelve o'clock , and at her summons entered and closed it behind him . `` Ah , Maurice , that is good , '' said the lady ; `` come and sit near me . I am quite prepared to have a long chat with you . '' `` And I want to have a long talk with you , Mrs. Aylmer , '' was his answer .