twelve o'clock,
noon
She had imagined everything to be far smoother , more simple , easier , and now here also there were difficulties . She dejectedly followed her guide into an office , where she had all sorts of questions to answer about her name , residence , etc. , and the purpose which brought her here . To the last inquiry she gave the curt information : `` I am seeking justice from the king against an unjust sentence . '' Then she received a card with a number and a date , and was dismissed with the remark that she must be there again with her petition a fortnight thence , on Thursday , punctually at twelve o'clock , noon . She had desired to keep her purpose a secret from every one in the village ; but this was now impossible , for she could not prepare the petition alone . So she went to the gardener , who had obtained another place , and initiated him into her plans . He eagerly dissuaded her from the step , since nothing would come of it , but Panna remained immovable in her confidence in the result .