noon
He was now no longer dressed with the somewhat affected neatness and coxcombry which had marked his appearance in London , but , on the contrary , was clad in garments comparatively coarse , and bore the aspect of a military man no longer in active service , and enduring some reverses . He also was heavily armed , though many of the others there present bore apparently nothing but the ordinary sword which was carried by every gentleman in that day . The first of the personages we have mentioned approached with a slow step towards the fire , saying to Plessis as he advanced , `` So the Colonel has not come , I see ? '' `` No , Sir George , '' replied Plessis with a lowly inclination of the head , `` he has not arrived yet ; but I had a messenger from him at noon to-day , saying that he would be here to-night . '' `` Ha ! '' exclaimed Sir George Barkley , `` that is more than I expected -- But he will not come , he will not come ! Make us a bowl of punch , good Plessis -- make us a bowl of punch -- the night is very cold .