noon
She could incline her head , with a bewitching droop of eyelids , and look up to meet the eyes of the prince with a serenity that was like a smile . `` In my country , '' said Olivia gravely , `` when anything special arises they frequently find that there is no law to cover it . It would seem to us '' -- it was as though the humility of that `` us '' took from her superb daring -- `` that this is a matter requiring the advice of the High Council . Therefore , '' asked little Olivia gently , `` will you not appoint , your Highness , a special session of the High Council to convene at noon to-morrow , to consider our proposition ? '' There was a scarcely perceptible stir among the members of the High Council , for even the liberals were , it would seem , taken aback by a departure which they themselves had not instituted . Olivia , still in submission to tradition which she could not violate , had gained the time for which she hoped . With a grace that was like the conferring of a royal favour , Prince Tabnit appointed the meeting of the High Council for noon on the following day .