noon
For kindness and generosity of nature he was equal to his brother , and this was the reason why an angry word never passed between them ; for the question between them was , not which should have his way , but which should give up most to the wishes of the other . We hardly need say , that there never were two brothers who were more attached , and who so mutually respected each other . Edward put the pony to a trot , and in two hours was on the other side of the New Forest . The directions given to him by Jacob were not forgotten , and before it was noon he found himself at the gate of the keeper 's house . Dismounting , and hanging the bridle of the pony over the rail he walked through a small garden , neatly kept but , so early in the year , not over gay , except that the crocus and snow drops were peeping . He rapped at the door with his knuckles , and a girl of about fourteen , very neatly dressed , answered the summons . `` Is Oswald Partridge at home , maiden ? ''