noon
Look ! one , two , three -- thirty minutes after nine . I will reach Curling 's gate by the morn 's dawn . I will put my girl into a chaise , and by noon she shall throw herself into the arms of her sister . But first , shall I not , in some way , manifest my gratitude ? '' My senses were bewildered , and I knew not what I did . I intended to kneel , as to my mother or my deity ; but , instead of that , I clasped her in my arms , and kissed her lips fervently .