noon
`` It shall be so , '' said Front-de-Boeuf . And he forthwith appointed a domestic to conduct Wamba to the apartment where Cedric and Athelstane were confined . The impatience of Cedric had been rather enhanced than diminished by his confinement . He walked from one end of the hall to the other , with the attitude of one who advances to charge an enemy , or to storm the breach of a beleaguered place , sometimes ejaculating to himself , sometimes addressing Athelstane , who stoutly and stoically awaited the issue of the adventure , digesting , in the meantime , with great composure , the liberal meal which he had made at noon , and not greatly interesting himself about the duration of his captivity , which he concluded , would , like all earthly evils , find an end in Heaven 's good time . `` ` Pax vobiscum ' , '' said the Jester , entering the apartment ; `` the blessing of St Dunstan , St Dennis , St Duthoc , and all other saints whatsoever , be upon ye and about ye . '' `` Enter freely , '' answered Cedric to the supposed friar ; `` with what intent art thou come hither ? '' `` To bid you prepare yourselves for death , '' answered the Jester .