noon
My ribs still feel the impression of thy knuckles . '' `` Dearest and honoured uncle , '' said Damian -- `` excuse -- '' `` There is nothing to excuse , '' replied his uncle , interrupting him . `` Have we not wrestled a turn before now ? -- But there remains yet one trial for thee to go through -- Get thee out of this hole speedily -- don thy best array to accompany me to the Church at noon ; for , Damian , thou must be present at the marriage of the Lady Eveline Berenger . '' This proposal at once struck to the earth the unhappy young man . `` For mercy 's sake , '' he exclaimed , `` hold me excused in this , my gracious uncle ! -- I have been of late severely wounded , and am very weak . ''