noon
`` Certainly , if you wish me to do so . '' `` Of course I wish you to do so , my love , '' said the duke , as he stooped and pressed his lips on the pale cheek of his `` wayward child , '' as he sometimes called her . He then left the room to give orders to his valet and groom to pack up and be ready to attend him on his journey . As soon as she found herself alone , Valerie arose , slipped on a dressing-gown , sat down to her writing-desk , and wrote the following note , as usual , without name , date , or signature : `` Come to me at noon to-morrow ; or , if you can not do so , write and fix your own hour , any time will suit me equally well , or rather , _ ill _ . '' She put this note in an envelope , sealed it , and directed it to Monsieur Le Count de Volaski , Russian Embassy . Then she rang for her maid , and sent her out to post the letter . Valerie made an effort to dress for dinner that evening , and dined with the duke for the last time -- yes , for the very last time in this world .