noon
`` Well , what is the news , Pater ? '' demanded Carlos , as Don Hermoso presently returned to the dining-room , looking very pale and agitated . `` The news , my son , is this , '' answered Don Hermoso , his voice quivering with anger : `` General Echague , who is in command of the troops which have just encamped in our neighbourhood , has sent a message to me regretfully intimating that it will be his duty to destroy this house , together with all its warehouses and outbuildings of every description , to prevent its seizure by the rebels who are known to be in this neighbourhood . And , as an act of grace , he gives me until noon to-morrow to remove my household and belongings to such a place of safety as I may select ! '' `` Oh ! he does , does he ? '' retorted Carlos .