noon
I went up to old Tom , and kneeling by his side , begged him to answer . `` Forgive her , poor thing -- yes ; who could refuse it , as she kneels there ? Come , '' continued he , speaking to his wife , `` you must forgive her . Look up , dame , at her , and think that our poor boy may be asking the same of heaven to-morrow at noon . '' The old woman looked up , and her dimmed eyes caught a sight of Mary 's imploring and beautiful attitude ; it was not to be withstood . `` As I hope for mercy to my poor boy , whom you have killed , so do I forgive you , unhappy young woman . '' `` May God reward you , when you are summoned before Him , '' replied Mary .