noon
And therewith they came into the garth , wherein the apple trees were blossoming , and Goldilind spread abroad her hands and lifted up her head for joy of the sight and the scent , and they stayed awhile before they went on to the door , which was half open , for they feared none in that place , and looked for none whom they might not deal with if he came as a foe . Christopher would have taken a hand of her to lead her in , but both hands were in her gown to lift up the hem as she passed over the threshold ; so he durst not . Fair and bright now was the hall within , with its long and low windows goodly glazed , a green halling on the walls of Adam and Eve and the garden , and the good God walking therein ; the sun shone bright through the southern windows , and about the porch it was hot , but further toward the dais cool and pleasant . So Goldilind sat down in the coolest of the place at the standing table ; but Christopher bestirred himself , and brought wine and white bread , and venison and honey , and said : `` I pray thee to dine , maiden , for it is now hard on noon ; and as for my fair fellows , I look not for them before sunset for they were going far into the wood . '' She smiled on him , and ate and drank a little deal , and he with her . Sooth to say , her heart was full , and though she had forgotten her fear , she was troubled , because , for as glad as she was , she could not be as glad as her gladness would have her , for the sake of some lack , she knew not what . Now spake Christopher : `` I would tell thee something strange , to wit , though it is little more than three hours since I first saw thee beside the river , yet I seem to know thee as if thou wert a part of my life . ''