noon
`` Then , instead of making your son adore you by consenting to a thing you can not prevent , Gerald will know exactly what your affection is worth , and dispense with your consent entirely . '' `` But you can not expect me to come to such an important decision in a moment , as it were . '' `` So be it , madame . I will give you until to-morrow noon . I will call then to hear your decision , and , if it conforms alike to the dictates of common sense and maternal love , I will precede you by a few moments to Herminie 's home , in order that I may be there when you arrive . If you do not agree to this , I declare to you that your son will be married in less than six weeks . '' Having said this , the marquis bowed low to Madame de Senneterre , and walked straight out of the room .