noon
`` Be seated , '' he said . `` If you will pardon me , for a moment -- I was just -- '' In an instant his nose almost touched the page again , and he did not complete the sentence , before he was lost in study once more . Taquisara sat down upon the only chair there was and waited a few moments , not realizing that he had not been recognized . But the priest forgot his existence immediately and if not disturbed would probably have gone on reading till noon . `` Don Teodoro ! '' said Taquisara , rousing him . `` Pray excuse me -- '' The old man looked up suddenly , with an exclamation of surprise .