noon
`` How ? with the spring tide beating the foot of the rocks , and the sea raging so furiously that the very gulls dared not take their delicious perch upon the waves . Tomorrow perhaps -- '' `` What now , my Hugh , afraid to venture ? When I walked on the sands at noon , there was a bowshot spare . '' `` No ! mother , no , not afraid , not afraid to venture a fall , or meet a sprinkling of sea spray , and good truth I have enough to do with fears in doors , here in this grim old mansion , without -- '' `` Fears ? '' -- `` Yes , fears , dear mother , '' said the boy , looking archly round at his attendant , who waited in the back ground , and who vainly sought by signs to silence her unruly charge .