noon
`` A woman who can resist me by declining to be my wife , through a whole night of entreaty , has the quality I need for my house , and I will batter at her ears for months , with as little rest as I had last night , before I surrender my chance of her . But I told you last night I want you within the twelve hours . I have staked my pride on it . By noon you are mine : you are introduced to Mrs. Mountstuart as mine , as the lady of my life and house . And to the world ! I shall not let you go . '' `` You will not detain me here , Sir Willoughby ? ''