noon
Before I could act upon it , however -- in such a situation it was no easy task to decide how to act -- a third advanced with the same measured steps . ` By appointment I think , sir ? ' he said , bowing lower than the others . ` Yes , ' I replied sharply , beginning to grow warm , ` by appointment at noon . ' ` M. de Marsac , ' he announced in a sing-song tone to those behind him , ` to see the King of Navarre by appointment at noon . ' And with a second bow -- while I grew scarlet with mortification he too wheeled gravely round and returned to the fireplace . I saw another preparing to advance , but he came too late .