twelve o'clock
Bertram 's arm was `` as good as ever '' now , according to its owner ; and the sittings for the new portrait began at once . This left Billy even more to her own devices , for Bertram entered into his new work with an enthusiasm born of a glad relief from forced idleness , and a consuming eagerness to prove that even though he had failed the first time , he could paint a portrait of Marguerite Winthrop that would be a credit to himself , a conclusive retort to his critics , and a source of pride to his once mortified friends . With his whole heart , therefore , he threw himself into the work before him , staying sometimes well into the afternoon on the days Miss Winthrop could find time between her social engagements to give him a sitting . It was on such a day , toward the middle of the month , that Billy was called to the telephone at half-past twelve o'clock to speak to her husband . `` Billy , dear , '' began Bertram at once , `` if you do n't mind I 'm staying to luncheon at Miss Winthrop 's kind request . We 've changed the pose -- neither of us was satisfied , you know -- but we have n't quite settled on the new one . Miss Winthrop has two whole hours this afternoon that she can give me if I 'll stay ; and , of course , under the circumstances , I want to do it . ''