noon
And then Waring placed upon her finger the little ring he himself had carved out of wood . ` It shall never be changed , ' he said , ` but coated over with heavy gold , just as it is . ' Old Orange , radiant with happiness , stood near , and served as a foil for the bridal white . It was over ; but they were not to start until noon . Fog put the Preacher almost forcibly into the boat and sailed away with him , blindfolded and lamenting . ` The wedding feast , ' he cried , ` and the punch ! You are a fine host , old gentleman . '