twelve o'clock
I confessed that this error was at the bottom of my own wish to visit America and study those premises . `` And what has your conclusion been ? '' she said , leaning eagerly towards me , across the table between us , laden with the maps and charts we had been examining for the verification of the position of Altruria , and my own course here , by way of England . A slight sigh escaped Mrs. Gray , which I interpreted as an expression of fatigue ; it was already past twelve o'clock , and I made it the pretext for escape . `` You have seen the meaning and purport of Altruria so clearly , '' I said , `` that I think I can safely leave you to guess the answer to that question . '' She laughed , and did not try to detain me now when I offered my hand for good-night . I fancied her mother took leave of me coldly , and with a certain effect of inculpation .