noon
-- I have broken the solemn vow which I pledged thee -- I have violated my oath -- '' `` Oh , Manuel ! '' ejaculated the countess , still forgetting the presence of the bandit : `` thou hast -- '' `` Gambled once more -- and lost ! '' cried the marquis wildly . `` And the sum that I am bound in honor to pay on Monday -- by noon , is nearly equal in amount to that which thy generosity lent me the other day . '' `` Holy Virgin aid you , my unhappy Manuel ! '' said Giulia . `` For thou canst not ? ''