noon
`` Really ? very appropriate ! '' said the princess . `` But here it is almost noon , and M. Tripeaud has not come . '' `` He is the deputy-guardian of Mdlle . de Cardoville , whose property he has managed , as former agent of the count-duke , '' said the marquis , with evident anxiety , `` and his presence here is absolutely indispensable . It is greatly to be desired that his coming should precede that of Mdlle .