the first hour after noon
Look , there is a quiet place in yon corner under the thorn-trees by that piece of water . See , they are leaving off work : I will go for a can of beer , and then , pray , let me join you there . '' Jessie paused for a moment as if doubtful still ; then again glancing at Kenelm , and assured by the grave kindness of his countenance , uttered a scarce audible assent and moved away towards the thorn-trees . As the sun now stood perpendicularly over their heads , and the hand of the clock in the village church tower , soaring over the hedgerows , reached the first hour after noon , all work ceased in a sudden silence : some of the girls went back to their homes ; those who stayed grouped together , apart from the men , who took their way to the shadows of a large oak-tree in the hedgerow , where beer kegs and cans awaited them . `` AND now , '' said Kenelm , as the two young persons , having finished their simple repast , sat under the thorn-trees and by the side of the water , fringed at that part with tall reeds through which the light summer breeze stirred with a pleasant murmur , `` now I will talk to you about Tom Bowles . Is it true that you do n't like that brave young fellow ? I say young , as I take his youth for granted . ''