Twelve o'clock
`` Think of your mother , dear , '' soothed Seraphine . `` Her pure spirit is near you , trying to come nearer . _ Oh God , keep Penelope , Thy loving child , under the close guardianship of her mother 's exalted spirit in this her hour of peril . _ '' Twelve o'clock by the musical , slow-chiming bells ! Then at last Penelope spoke , her face transfigured with spiritual light and beauty . `` Doctor , -- I -- I know I have only a few minutes , '' she began haltingly , but almost immediately became calm , as if some new strength or vision had been accorded her . `` I realize that my troubles have come from selfishness and -- sensuality .