midday
`` I had no plan , '' Rupert said . `` In truth , I am waiting to call upon the Earl of Marlborough until Master Haliford has fashioned me a suit of clothes fitted for such an occasion ; he has promised them for this evening . '' `` Would it please you to go down the river ? I have a boat , and if you would like to see the shipping of this great port , and the palace at Greenwich for our seamen , my boatmen will take you down ; and you will , I trust , return and take your midday meal with us . '' And so it was arranged ; and as Rupert and Hugh were rowed down the river , lost in wonder at the numerous craft that lay there , Hugh admitted that Rupert 's interference in a business which was no concern of his had turned out a fortunate occurrence . Chapter 5 : The Fencing School . It was with no small trepidation that Rupert Holliday ascended the steps of the Earl of Marlborough 's residence in Pall Mall .