two hours
after noon
But she strove with him , and freed herself and laughed outright , and said : `` Thou art a bold man , and rash , my knight , even unto me . Yet must I see to it that thou die not of hunger . '' He said merrily : `` Yea , by St. Nicholas , true it is : a while ago I felt no hunger , and had forgotten that men eat ; for I was troubled with much longing , and in doubt concerning my life ; but now am I free and happy , and hungry therewithal . '' `` Look , '' she said , pointing up to the heavens , `` it is now past two hours after noon ; that is nigh two hours since we left the lawn amidst the hazels , and thou longest to eat , as is but right , so lovely as thou art and young ; and I withal long to tell thee something of that whereof thou hast asked me ; and lastly , it is the hottest of the day , yea , so hot , that even Diana , the Wood-wife of yore agone , might have fainted somewhat , if she had been going afoot as we twain have been , and little is the risk of our resting awhile . And hereby is a place where rest is good as regards the place , whatever the resters may be ; it is a little aside the straightest way , but meseems we may borrow an hour or so of our journey , and hope to pay it back ere nightfall . Come , champion ! '' Therewith she led north through a thicket of mingled trees till Ralph heard water running , and anon they came to a little space about a brook , grassy and clear of trees save a few big thorn-bushes , with a green ridge or bank on the other side .