noon
We constrain not our friends to our ways , and thou art , I think , too wise to quarrel with us for following our own fashions ; and if we should even give thee a word of advice , thou wilt not , I think , be angry , so that it is spoken in season . ' You know , Alan , how easily I am determined by anything resembling cordiality -- and so , though a little afraid of the formality of my host and hostess , I accepted their invitation , provided I could get some messenger to send to Shepherd 's Bush for my servant and portmanteau . ` Why , truly , friend , ' said Joshua , ` thy outward frame would be improved by cleaner garments ; but I will do thine errand myself to the Widow Gregson 's house of reception , and send thy lad hither with thy clothes . Meanwhile , Rachel will show thee these little gardens , and then will put thee in some way of spending thy time usefully , till our meal calls us together at the second hour after noon . I bid thee farewell for the present , having some space to walk , seeing I must leave the animal Solomon to his refreshing rest . ' With these words , Mr. Joshua Geddes withdrew . Some ladies we have known would have felt , or at least affected , reserve or embarrassment , at being left to do the honours of the grounds to -LRB- it will be out , Alan -RRB- -- a smart young fellow -- an entire stranger .