twelve o'clock
There is nothing out of the common course of life in my doing this . I am going to do what other women in my position very often do . I am going to assist a favorite servant . '' `` But it 's getting on for twelve o'clock , my lady , '' pleaded Phoebe . Lady Audley frowned impatiently at this interruption . `` If my going to your house to pay this man should be known , '' she continued , still retaining her hold of Phoebe 's wrist , `` I am ready to answer for my conduct ; but I would rather that the business should be kept quiet . I think that I can leave this house without being seen by any living creature , if you will do as I tell you . ''