noon
The elder Hayes wondered who the lady could be of whom the ambassador had spoken , for their son 's elopement was altogether unknown to them ; but anger or doubt about this subject was overwhelmed by their fears for their darling John 's safety . Away rode the gallant Macshane with the money necessary to effect this ; and it must be mentioned , as highly to his credit , that he never once thought of appropriating the sum to himself , or of deserting his comrades in any way . His ride from Worcester had been a long one . He had left that city at noon , but before his return thither the sun had gone down ; and the landscape , which had been dressed like a prodigal , in purple and gold , now appeared like a Quaker , in dusky grey ; and the trees by the road-side grew black as undertakers or physicians , and , bending their solemn heads to each other , whispered ominously among themselves ; and the mists hung on the common ; and the cottage lights went out one by one ; and the earth and heaven grew black , but for some twinkling useless stars , which freckled the ebon countenance of the latter ; and the air grew colder ; and about two o'clock the moon appeared , a dismal pale-faced rake , walking solitary through the deserted sky ; and about four , mayhap , the Dawn -LRB- wretched ` prentice-boy ! -RRB- opened in the east the shutters of the Day : -- in other words , more than a dozen hours had passed . Corporal Brock had been relieved by Mr. Redcap , the latter by Mr. Sicklop , the one-eyed gentleman ; Mrs. John Hayes , in spite of her sorrows and bashfulness , had followed the example of her husband , and fallen asleep by his side -- slept for many hours -- and awakened still under the guardianship of Mr. Brock 's troop ; and all parties began anxiously to expect the return of the ambassador , Mr. Macshane . That officer , who had performed the first part of his journey with such distinguished prudence and success , found the night , on his journey homewards , was growing mighty cold and dark ; and as he was thirsty and hungry , had money in his purse , and saw no cause to hurry , he determined to take refuge at an alehouse for the night , and to make for Worcester by dawn the next morning .