noon
`` Pootoo is to be master of ceremonies in every sense of the word , I can see . I am the ward of a king . '' At last the day arrived . They were to enter the ceremonial temple at high noon and in their ears were to be the sound of timbrels and brass , trumpets and drums and the glad though raucous songs of a kingdom . Early in the day Tennys Huntingford submitted herself to be arrayed for the ceremony by her proud , jealous maidens . She remained alone and obscure in her chamber , awaiting the moment when King Pootoo should come for her . Her gown was of the purest white .