noon
And , as quickly as he came , Mr. Jerrold slipped out again upon the piazza . Of course the story was told with varied comment all over the post . Several officers were injudicious enough to chaff the old subaltern about it , and -- he was a little sore-headed the next day , anyway -- the usually placid Sloat grew the more indignant at Jerrold . He decided to go and upbraid him ; and , as ill luck would have it , they met before noon on the steps of the club-room . `` I want to say to you , Mr. Jerrold , that from an officer of your age to one of mine I think your conduct last night a piece of impertinence . '' `` I had a perfect right to do what I did , '' replied Jerrold , coolly . `` You were taking a most unwarrantable liberty in trying to carry off that picture . ''