noon
Sir Rudolph leant over the battlements , and said , -- `` It is too late , varlet . I condescended to challenge you before , and you refused . You can not now claim what you then feared to accept . The sun on the dial approaches noon , and unless you surrender yourself before it reaches the mark , I will keep my word , and the traitress , your mother , shall swing from that beam . '' Making a sign to two men-at-arms , these brought forward Dame Editha and so placed her on the battlements that she could be seen from below . Dame Editha was still a very fair woman , although nigh forty years had rolled over her head . No sign of fear appeared upon her face , and in a firm voice she cried to her son , -- `` Cuthbert , I beg -- nay , I order you to retire .