noon
`` Come to them presently with me and let our ears be tickled , '' the duchess laughed in answer ; and the spiked dialogue broke , not to revive . The duchess had observed the constant direction of Anna 's eyes upon Vittoria during the repast , and looked an interrogation at Anna , who replied to it firmly . `` I must be present , '' the duchess whispered . She drew Vittoria away by the hand , telling Merthyr Powys that it was unkind to him , but that he should be permitted to claim his fair friend from noon to the dinner-bell . Laura and Bianca were discussing the same subject as the one for which Anna desired an interview with Vittoria . It was to know the conditions and cause of the duel between Angelo Guidascarpi and Captain Weisspriess , and whither Angelo had fled . `` In other words , you cry for vengeance under the name of justice , '' Laura phrased it , and put up a prayer for Angelo 's escape .