nearly twelve o’clock
Do you mind showing me the watch ? '' He detached it from his waistcoat , chain and all , and passed it to me without a word . The case was of gold , very thick and strong , and singularly engraved . After closely examining the dial and observing that it was nearly twelve o'clock , I opened it at the back and was interested to observe an inner case of ivory , upon which was painted a miniature portrait in that exquisite and delicate manner which was in vogue during the eighteenth century . `` Why , bless my soul ! '' I exclaimed , feeling a sharp artistic delight -- `` how under the sun did you get that done ? I thought miniature painting on ivory was a lost art . ''