noon
said Varney , with half a smile ; while the astrologer put the same question with his eyes , but spoke not a word . `` She has not , nor she shall not from my hands , '' replied Foster ; `` would you have me do murder in my daughter 's presence ? '' `` Wert thou not told , thou sullen and yet faint-hearted slave , '' answered Varney , with bitterness , `` that no MURDER as thou callest it , with that staring look and stammering tone , is designed in the matter ? Wert thou not told that a brief illness , such as woman puts on in very wantonness , that she may wear her night-gear at noon , and lie on a settle when she should mind her domestic business , is all here aimed at ? Here is a learned man will swear it to thee by the key of the Castle of Wisdom . '' `` I swear it , '' said Alasco , `` that the elixir thou hast there in the flask will not prejudice life ! I swear it by that immortal and indestructible quintessence of gold , which pervades every substance in nature , though its secret existence can be traced by him only to whom Trismegistus renders the key of the Cabala . ''