noon
To-morrow , then , we must subpoena your brother ; we will proceed to make out the inventory , and faith , after that -- '' So ill had the lawyer understood his instructions , that his impression was the exact opposite to the one intended . It was a delicate matter , and Vandenesse , in spite of himself , began to put the thick-headed notary right . The discussion which followed took up a certain amount of time . `` Listen , '' the diplomatist said at last at a sign from the lady , `` You are puzzling my brains ; come back to-morrow , and if the writ is not issued by noon to-morrow , the days of grace will expire , and then -- '' As he spoke , a carriage entered the courtyard . The poor woman turned sharply away at the sound to hide the tears in her eyes . The Marquis rang to give the servant orders to say that he was not at home ; but before the footman could answer the bell , the lady 's husband reappeared . He had returned unexpectedly from the Gaiete , and held both children by the hand .