twelve o'clock
But she could not . He was dead . He must be dead , now . Here it was twelve o'clock , and -- There came a quick step , the click of a key in the lock , then the door swung back and Bertram , big , strong , and merry-eyed , stood before her . `` Well , well , hullo , '' he called jovially . `` Why , Billy , what 's the matter ? '' he broke off , in quite a different tone of voice .