twelve o'clock
However , before entering the throne-room he pressed Pierre 's hand , repeating , `` So it is understood . I will go to see my cousin at the Vatican to-morrow , and directly I get a reply I will let you know . We shall meet again soon I hope . '' It was now past twelve o'clock , and the only remaining visitor was one of the two old ladies who seemed to have fallen asleep . At his little secretarial table Don Vigilio still sat covering huge sheets of yellow paper with fine handwriting , from which he only lifted his eyes at intervals to glance about him distrustfully , and make sure that nothing threatened him . In the mournful silence which fell around , Pierre lingered for yet another moment in the deep embrasure of the window . Ah !