twelve o’clock
Softly , softly ! '' But in spite of this conclusion to the episode , the prince remained as puzzled as ever , if not more so . He awaited next morning 's interview with the general most impatiently . The time appointed was twelve o'clock , and the prince , returning home unexpectedly late , found the general waiting for him . At the first glance , he saw that the latter was displeased , perhaps because he had been kept waiting . The prince apologized , and quickly took a seat . He seemed strangely timid before the general this morning , for some reason , and felt as though his visitor were some piece of china which he was afraid of breaking .