noon
My father saw that the more he listened and sympathised and encouraged , the fonder George became of him , and this was all he cared about . Thus did they converse hour after hour . They passed the Blue Pool , without seeing it or even talking about it for more than a minute . George kept an eye on the quails and declared them fairly plentiful and strong on the wing , but nothing now could keep him from pouring out his whole heart about Mrs. Humdrum 's grand-daughter , until towards noon they caught sight of the statues , and a halt was made which gave my father the first pang he had felt that morning , for he knew that the statues would be the beginning of the end . There was no need to light a fire , for Yram had packed for them two bottles of a delicious white wine , something like White Capri , which went admirably with the many more solid good things that she had provided for them . As soon as they had finished a hearty meal my father said to George , `` You must have my watch for a keepsake ; I see you are not wearing my boots . I fear you did not find them comfortable , but I am glad you have not got them on , for I have set my heart on keeping yours . ''