noon
Mr. Flack evidently enjoyed the scene ; he gazed about him at their neighbours , at the villas and gardens on either hand ; he took in the prospect of the far-stretching brown boskages and smooth alleys of the wood , of the hour they had yet to spend there , of the rest of Francie 's pleasant prattle , of the place near the lake where they could alight and walk a little ; even of the bench where they might sit down . `` I see , I see , '' he repeated with appreciation . `` You make me feel quite as if I were in the grand old monde . '' One day at noon , shortly before the time for which Gaston had announced his return , a note was brought Francie from Mme. de Brecourt . It caused her some agitation , though it contained a clause intended to guard her against vain fears . `` Please come to me the moment you 've received this -- I 've sent the carriage . I 'll explain when you get here what I want to see you about .