noon
`` I will set about it at once , countess , and shall get it finished before the gates are closed . I will not on any account bring upon you the risk of another night 's stay here . '' `` I think there will be no risk in it , '' the countess said firmly ; `` and for today at least there is sure to be a vigilant watch kept at the gates . It were best , too , that you left before noon , for by that time most of the people from the villages round are returning . If you are not recognized in the streets there is no risk whatever while you are in here ; besides , we shall be anxious to know how you have got through the day . And another reason why you had better stay the night is that by starting in the morning you will have the day before you to get well away , whereas if you go at night you may well miss your road , especially if there is no moon , and you do not know the country . Therefore I pray you urgently to come back here for tonight .