noon
He befriended , especially , all shipwrecked and needy mariners , feeding and clothing them , and begging their freedom as a gift from Baldwin . He feasted the knights of the neighborhood , who since his baresark campaign , had all vowed him the most gallant of warriors , and since his accession of wealth , the most courteous of gentlemen ; and so all went merrily , as it is written , `` As long as thou doest well unto thyself , men will speak well of thee . '' So he would have fain stayed at home at St. Omer ; but he was Robert 's man , and his good friend likewise ; and to the wars he must go forth once more ; and for eight or nine weary months Torfrida was alone : but very happy , for a certain reason of her own . At last the short November days came round ; and a joyful woman was fair Torfrida , when Martin Lightfoot ran into the hall , and throwing himself down on the rushes like a dog , announced that Hereward and his men would be home before noon , and then fell fast asleep . There was bustling to and fro of her and her maids ; decking of the hall in the best hangings ; strewing of fresh rushes , to the dislodgement of Martin ; setting out of square tables , and stoops and mugs thereon ; cooking of victuals , broaching of casks ; and above all , for Hereward 's self , heating of much water , and setting out , in the inner chamber , of the great bath-tub and bath-sheet , which was the special delight of a hero fresh from the war . And by midday the streets of St. Omer rang with clank and tramp and trumpet-blare , and in marched Hereward and all his men , and swung round through the gateway into the court , where Torfrida stood to welcome them , as fair as day , a silver stirrup-cup in her hand . And while the men were taking off their harness and dressing their horses , she and Hereward went in together , and either took such joy of the other , that a year 's parting was forgot in a minute 's meeting .