noon
Colonel Philibert is my dearest friend in life ; I must leave even you to go with him , so pray excuse me . '' `` You are excused , Le Gardeur . '' Bigot spoke very courteously to him , much as he disliked the idea of his companionship with Philibert . `` We must all return by the time the Cathedral bells chime noon . Take one parting cup before you go , Le Gardeur , and prevail on Colonel Philibert to do the same , or he will not praise our hospitality , I fear . '' `` Not one drop more this day , were it from Jove 's own poculum ! '' Le Gardeur repelled the temptation more readily as he felt a twitch on his sleeve from the hand of Philibert .