noon
Many a wise and a witty word uttered over their wine came back to me then ; and I was wondering to myself what new plot had been brewing between my godfather and Uncle Tucher , whereas I had marked them laying their heads together , when behold , the stable-lad from the Tuchers ' coming down the street , leading my own dear bayhorse ; and as I saw him closer I beheld that his mane and flowing tail were plaited up with fine red ribbons . He stood still in front of our door and , when I flew down to greet the faithful beast , the lad gave me a letter wherein nought was written save these Latin words in large letters : `` AMICITIA FIDEI '' which is to say : `` Friendship to Fidelity . '' Thus the pinch and sacrifice were on a sudden ended ; and albeit a snow - storm ere long came down on us , yet the sunshine in my bosom was still as bright as though Spring had dawned there in the December season , and all care and fear were banished . It was noon . Master Peter could not come to table for a bad headache , and Cousin Maud scarce opened her lips . The sudden turn of matters had upset her balance , and so dazed her brain that she would answer at cross - purposes , and had ordered so many pats of butter from the farm wench as though she had cakes to bake for a whole convent full of sisters . Likewise a strange unrest kept her moving to and fro , and this was beginning to come upon me likewise , by reason that Ann came not , albeit in the morning she had promised to be here again at noon .