noon
Simon Turchi 's eye shone with a sudden and mysterious light , excited by some secret thought . He became calm , and shrugging his shoulders , said quietly , as though he submitted with resignation to the contradictions which he could not avoid : `` I ought , Julio , to punish your want of fidelity . If the bailiff had come here to-day , as I expected , your culpable neglect of duty would have placed us both in the hands of justice . Fortunately the visit will not be made before noon to-morrow . As your negligence has had no evil consequences , I fully pardon you , upon condition that you leave the city before sunrise , and that you travel without stopping until you reach the Rhine . '' `` Never fear this time , signor , '' replied Julio . `` I will pass the night here , and at early dawn I will be beyond the city gate .