twelve o'clock
And upon this she turned to the lacquey holding open the door for her passing through . `` If before half-past ten there comes a message from Sir John Oxon , '' she gave order , `` it must be brought to me at once ; but later I must not be disturbed -- it will keep until morning . '' Yet as she spoke there was before her as distinct a picture as ever of what lay waiting and gazing in the room to which she went . Until twelve o'clock she sat at her table , a despatch box by her side , papers outspread before her . Within three feet of her was the divan , but she gave no glance to it , sitting writing , reading , and comparing documents . At twelve o'clock she rose and rang the bell . `` I shall be later than I thought , '' she said .