noon
A mother 's happiness and her blessing are not things to be lightly thrown away . Go , and I will keep watch . Till you hear from me , you are safe . '' So Tom rode away in the gray light of dawn , and quickly finding himself in familiar haunts , put spurs to his good steed , and before noon found himself close beside the village which had been his home all his life till this past adventurous year of travel . As he went clattering up the long avenue to the house , it seemed to him as though the birds of the air must have been at work ; for there was his mother standing upon the steps to receive him , whilst Rachel was running towards him with flying feet . `` O Tom , Tom , Tom ! we knew it could be no one but you !