noon
` I 've disgraced my calling , and I 've this morning hurt my mother beyond healing . ' ` I 'd best be going , Ed ` ard . The sun 'll soon be undering . ' The day blazed towards noon , but she felt the chill of darkness . ` And now , ' Edward finished , ` that I have no mother , no self-respect , and no respect for you , I will at least have my pleasure and -- my children . The words softened him a little . ` Hazel , ' he said , ` I will forgive you for murdering my soul when you give me a son , I will almost believe in you again , next year -- Hazel -- ' He knelt by her with his arms round her .