noon
As stroke after stroke fell on the ear , he felt himself yielding beyond recovery , and had almost touched his finger in the significant action of assent which Amabel awaited with breathless expectation , when -- was it miracle or only the suggestion of his better nature ? -- the memory of a face full of holy pleading rose from the past before his eyes and with an inner cry of `` Mother ! '' he flung his hand out and clutched his father 's arm in a way to break the charm of his own dread and end forever the effects of the intolerable fascination that was working upon him . Next minute the last stroke of noon rang out , and the hour was up which Amabel had set as the limit of her silence . A pause , which to their two hearts if to no others seemed strangely appropriate , followed the cessation of these sounds , then the witness was dismissed , and Amabel , taking advantage of the movement , was about to lean toward Mr. Courtney , when Frederick , leaping with a bound to his feet , drew all eyes towards himself with the cry : `` Let me be put on my oath . I have testimony to give of the utmost importance in this case . '' The coroner was astounded ; everyone was astounded .