noon
The young man grew pale but he replied with indomitable courage : `` I do n't know what we two could ever have in common . '' `` Sir ! '' exclaimed Talizac angrily , `` in a month I shall lead the Countess de Salves to the altar ; therefore it will not surprise you if I stigmatize your conduct as outrageous . You rode to-day at noon past the De Salves palace , and threw a bouquet over the wall and into the garden . '' `` Well , what else ? '' `` You have probably good reasons not to give your name , the name of an adventurer , but in spite of all I must inform you that in case you repeat the scene I shall be obliged to punish you . I -- '' The vicomte was unable to proceed ; the iron fist of the young man was laid upon his shoulder , and so powerful was the pressure of his hand that the vicomte was hardly able to keep himself on his feet .