noon
asked the old cavalier . `` Many days may yet pass before the _ Il Salvatore _ appears in the Scheldt . Do not fear , Mary , that the Signor Deodati will take us by surprise . Don Pezoa , the agent of the king of Portugal , has given orders that I shall be notified as soon as the galley we are awaiting is signaled in the river , at noon . '' He was interrupted by the entrance of a servant , who announced that the Chevalier John Van Schoonhoven , -LSB- 8 -RSB- the bailiff , desired to speak with him . Geronimo was about to withdraw , but Mr. Van de Werve said to him , cordially : `` Remain , signor ; I will send Petronilla , Mary 's duenna as a companion for her ; the interview with the Chevalier Schoonhoven may not detain me long . We will afterwards go to the dock-yard , and we will at least enjoy the fine weather .