noon
To do Tignonville justice , he was not of these . On the contrary , he seemed to be in a better temper on this day and , where so many took things unheroically , he showed to advantage . Avoiding the Countess and riding with Carlat , he talked and laughed with marked cheerfulness ; nor did he ever fail , when the mist rose , to note this or that landmark , and confirm Badelon in the way he was going . `` We shall be at Lege by noon ! '' he cried more than once , `` and if M. le Comte persists in his plan , may reach Vrillac by late sunset . By way of Challans ! '' And always Carlat answered , `` Ay , by Challans , Monsieur , so be it ! ''