noon
`` Bathsheba , '' said Samuel , mournfully , as he laid his hand on his wife 's ; `` we shall at least have the stern satisfaction of having done our duty . And has not the Lord been very favorable to us , though He has thus severely tried us by the death of our son ? Is it not thanks to His providence that three generations of my family have been able to commence , continue , and finish this great work ? '' `` Yes , Samuel , '' said the Jewess , affectionately , `` and for you at least this satisfaction will be combined with calm and quietness , for on the stroke of noon you will be delivered from a very terrible responsibility . '' So saying , Bathsheba pointed to the box . `` It is true , '' replied the old man ; `` I had rather these immense riches were in the hands of those to whom they belong , than in mine ; but , to day , I shall cease to be their trustee . Once more then , I will check the account for the last time , and compare the register with the cash-book that you hold in your hand . ''