half past twelve
Think that I might be more severe , and that if I treated you as you merited -- if I told you to go away , would you obey me ? '' Gerfaut hesitated a moment and looked at her supplicatingly . `` I would obey , '' said he ; `` but would you have the courage to order it ? '' `` I allow you to remain until just half past twelve , '' said she , as she glanced at the clock , which she could see through the half-open door . Gerfaut followed her glance , and saw that she accorded him only a quarter of an hour : but he was too clever to make any observation . He knew that the second quarter of an hour is always less difficult to obtain than the first . `` I am sure , '' said she , `` that you have thought me capricious to-day ; you must pardon me , it is a family fault .