noon
`` I have n't that honor , Colonel , but this gives me the happy opportunity . '' He said it with such boyish fun in his ringing voice that Cooke laughed in spite of his desire to maintain the strictest dignity . He half suspected that the young officer might meet his match in more ways than one . `` She 'll be in at noon , '' the Commander remarked . `` Off riding with one of the boys . '' `` Of course , '' Stuart sighed . He began to scent a battle and his spirits rose .