twelve o'clock
Elena pretended to put the letter away for that purpose , but she really smuggled it down to the Major , who despatched it forthwith to the Chamber of Deputies . `` And now I 'll go to sleep , '' said Roma . She slept until mid-day with the sun 's reflection from the white plaster of the groined ceiling of the loggia on her still whiter face . Then the twelve o'clock gun shook the walls of the Castle , and she awoke while the church bells were ringing . `` I thought it was my dream coming true , Sister , '' she said . The doctor came up at that moment in a high state of excitement . `` Great news , Donna Roma .