noon
In her solitary rides Mabel met the son of a neighboring squire , and they soon began to love each other after the good old fashion . Neither had one thought that was not honest and pure ; but they were so afraid of her father that they dared not ask his consent to their marriage as yet . They were prudent , but not prudent or patient enough . So there came about meetings -- first at noon in the woods , then at twilight in the park , then at midnight in the garden ; and at last Sir Ewes Tresilyan heard of it all ; and heard , too , that his daughter 's name was abroad in the country-side , and more than lightly spoken of . That day , as the sun was setting , two men stood foot to foot , with their doublets off , on the very spot of smooth turf where the lovers parted last ; and Arthur Bampfylde had to hold his own as best he might with the deadliest rapier in the western shires . Poor boy ! he would scarcely have had the heart to do his uttermost against Mabel 's father ; but better will and skill would have availed little against the thirsty point that came creeping along his blade and leaping over his guard like a viper 's tongue .