noon
The man 's face softened . `` Do n't worry about me , sweetheart , '' he replied in a well controlled voice . `` I 'll soon be through now -- soon be through -- and then we 'll go away for a long vacation -- for a long vacation . '' `` I 'll give you until noon , Daddy , '' said the girl in a voice which carried a more strongly defined tone of authority than her father 's soft drawl , `` and then I shall come into that room , if I have to use an axe , and bring you out -- do you understand ? '' Professor Maxon smiled wanly . He knew that his daughter was equal to her threat . `` All right , sweetheart , I 'll be through by noon for sure -- by noon for sure .