midday
cried the stout lady , grasping Gianbattista 's arm and looking into his face with an expression of forlorn bewilderment . `` You can not go to-day -- it is impossible , Tista -- your shirts are not even ironed ! Oh dear I oh dear ! And I had anticipated a feast because I was sure that Marzio would see reason before midday , and there are chickens for dinner -- with rice , Tista , just as you like them -- oh , you can not go , Tista , I can not let you go ! '' `` Courage , Maria Luisa , '' exhorted Don Paolo . `` It is not a question of chickens . '' `` Dear Sora Luisa , you are too good , '' said Gianbattista .