noon
Ralph pondered what he said , and wondered if this were verily the woman whom he had delivered , or some other . As if answering to his unspoken thought , Roger went on : `` They speak but of one woman amongst them of the Dry Tree , but in sooth they have many others who are like unto her in one way or other ; and this again is a reason why they may not lay hands on the very Queen of them all . '' Therewithal they came unto the hostel , and found it fair enough within , the hall great and goodly for such a house , and with but three chapmen-carles therein . Straightway they called for meat , for it was now past noon , and the folk of the house served them when the grooms had taken charge of Falcon . And Roger served Ralph as if he were verily his man . Then Ralph went to his chamber aloft and rested a while , but came down into the hall a little before nones , and found Roger there walking up and down the hall floor , and no man else , so he said to him : `` Though thou art not of the Burg , thou knowest it ; wilt thou not come abroad then , and show it me ? for I have a mind to learn the ways of the folk here . ''