noon
`` Sorry to hear that , sir . '' `` Yes , a very awkward situation . '' He hesitated again . `` I 'd booked passages for myself and my valet on the _ Minnetonka _ , sailing from Tilbury at noon to-day , and sent him on in front with my stuff , and at the very last moment I 've been absolutely prevented from sailing ! You see how awkward it is ! I have n't a thing here . '' `` It is indeed , sir .