noon
The dripping trees saturated her garments almost as thoroughly as if it were indeed raining , but the fire of filial love was in her heart , and its flame rendered her impervious to creature discomforts . At length the dawn came , and the sun 's bright beams soon dispersed the mists of the night , his revivifying rays inspiring the girl with new courage . The horse , of his own volition , struck into a brisker gait , and Francis was obliged to control her emotion as each succeeding moment brought her nearer the Hall . Just before noon the turrets of Stafford Hall came into view . With a cry of exultation she spurred her horse forward . `` On , on ! '' she cried .