noon
`` Yes , I will drive you over to the stage , Vesta , '' he said . `` God help me ! it is all I can do . I have an operation to perform at noon . It is a case of life and death , and I have no right to leave it . The man 's whole life is not worth one hour of Melody 's , '' he added with some bitterness ; `` but that makes no difference , I suppose . I have no choice in the matter .