noon
The peasant who heard the unearthly cries bowed his head , the hermit told his beads , the brother crossed himself , even the stag on Cheviot hills bounded to his feet , listened and then trembling lay down to hide among the mountain ferns . -LSB- Illustration : THE STUDY , ABBOTSFORD . -RSB- We now return to Lord Marmion , who , led by the Palmer , was hastening on to Holyrood . When the heights of Lammermoor were reached , noon had long passed , and at early nightfall , old Gifford 's towers lay before them . Here they had expected hospitality , but the lord of the Castle had gone to Scotland 's camp , where were gathered the noblest and bravest of her sons . No friendly summons called them to the hall , for in her lord 's absence , the lady refused admittance alike to friend and foe . On through the hamlet rode the train until it drew rein at the inn .