noon
These he handed to the monk , saying : `` I will use your telephone , if I may ? I have to ask the young woman Nada Tsourikoff to call here to see you . '' The monk having granted permission , Hardt , passing into the study , was soon speaking with the popular young dancer of the Bouffes . `` You will call here at noon , eh ? '' he asked , to which she gave a response in the affirmative . Punctually at twelve I was informed that a young lady , who refused her name , desired to have an urgent interview with the Starets , and on going to the waiting-room , wherein so many of the fair sex sat daily in patience for the Father to receive them , I found a tall , willowy , dark-haired and exceedingly handsome girl , who , after inquiring if I were Féodor Rajevski , told me that her name was Tsourikoff and that she had been sent to see the Father . Without delay I introduced her to the `` holy '' man , who stood with his hands crossed over his breast in his most pious attitude .