noon
The public detaches itself as easily as it becomes infatuated , liking to have the right to trample under foot him whom but just now it elevated to the skies . How could the consequences of the first assault on the reputation of Jacques Ferrand be foreseen ? However absurd the attack might be , its very boldness might give rise to suspicions . Wishing to gain time to determine on the mode by which he would seek to parry the dangerous blow , the notary said , frigidly , to Sarah : `` You have given me , madame , until to-morrow at noon ; I give you until the next day to renounce a plot whose serious nature you do not seem to have contemplated . If , between this and then , I do not receive from you a letter informing me that you have abandoned this criminal and crazy enterprise , you will learn to your cost that Justice knows how to protect honest people who refuse guilty associations , and what may happen to the concoctors of hateful machinations . '' `` You mean to say , sir , that you ask from me one more day to reflect on my proposals ? That is a good sign , and I grant the delay .