nearly noon
At such times Myles saw again the dark mystery of the castle chapel ; he saw again the half-moon gleaming white and silvery through the tall , narrow window , and throwing a broad form of still whiteness across stone floor , empty seats , and still , motionless figures of stone effigies . At such times he stood again in front of the twinkling tapers that lit the altar where his armor lay piled in a heap , heard again the deep breathing of his companions of the watch sleeping in some empty stall , wrapped each in his cloak , and saw the old chandler bestir himself , and rise and come forward to snuff the candles . At such times he saw again the day growing clearer and clearer through the tall , glazed windows , saw it change to a rosy pink , and then to a broad , ruddy glow that threw a halo of light around Father Thomas 's bald head bowed in sleep , and lit up the banners and trophies hanging motionless against the stony face of the west wall ; heard again the stirring of life without and the sound of his companions arousing themselves ; saw them come forward , and heard them wish him joy that his long watch was ended . It was nearly noon when Myles was awakened from a fitful sleep by Gascoyne bringing in his dinner , but , as might be supposed , he had but little hunger , and ate sparingly . He had hardly ended his frugal meal before his two squires of honor came in , followed by a servant carrying the garments for the coming ceremony . He saluted them gravely , and then arising , washed his face and hands in a basin which Gascoyne held ; then kneeled in prayer , the others standing silent at a little distance . As he arose , Lord George came forward .