noon
Indeed , Marble , Neb and myself , were every way able to take care of the vessel . But we chose to have plenty of physical force ; and a cook was indispensable . Clawbonny supplied the latter , in the person of old Dido of that ilk . By noon , the whole party were ready to embark . Grace was driven to the wharf , and she walked on board the sloop , supported by Lucy and myself ; more , however , from solicitude than from absolute necessity . Every precaution , however , was taken by order of the physician to prevent anything like excitement ; the blacks , in particular , who would have followed `` Miss Grace '' to the water 's edge , being ordered to remain at home . Chloe , to her manifest satisfaction , was permitted to accompany her `` young mistress , '' and great was her delight .