noon
His address in Naples was in the letter . She wrote a note in answer , begging him to tell her how much money he should need to hire a vacant house , since there was no time to build one , and to fit it decently with what he thought necessary , in order that it might serve as a refuge and hospital for the very poor . She sent Elettra with the letter . It was raining again , and by good fortune Don Teodoro was at home , though it was still before noon . While the maid waited , he wrote his answer . His thanks were heartfelt on behalf of his parish , but shortly expressed . He said that in order to do what Veronica proposed so generously , at least two thousand francs would be necessary .