twelve o’clock
Kitty held her by the hand , and with passionate curiosity and entreaty her eyes asked her : `` What is it , what is this of such importance that gives you such tranquillity ? You know , tell me ! '' But Varenka did not even know what Kitty 's eyes were asking her . She merely thought that she had to go to see Madame Berthe too that evening , and to make haste home in time for _ maman 's _ tea at twelve o'clock . She went indoors , collected her music , and saying good-bye to everyone , was about to go . `` Allow me to see you home , '' said the colonel . `` Yes , how can you go alone at night like this ? ''