morning, noon
said Charles , in the same dry and cold manner in which he had before spoken . -- `` No answer ? -- Now , I _ hope _ that Colonel Lee does not see in a silly jest anything offensive to the honour of his family , since methinks that were an indifferent compliment to his sister , his father , and himself , not to mention Charles Stewart , whom he calls his King ; and I _ expect _ , that I shall not be so hardly construed , as to be supposed capable of forgetting that Mistress Alice Lee is the daughter of my faithful subject and host , and the sister of my guide and preserver . -- Come , come , Albert , '' he added , changing at once to his naturally frank and unceremonious manner , `` you forget how long I have been abroad where men , women , and children , talk gallantry morning , noon , and night , with no more serious thought than just to pass away the time ; and I forget , too , that you are of the old-fashioned English school , a son after Sir Henry 's own heart , and do n't understand raillery upon such subjects . -- But I ask your pardon , Albert , sincerely , if I have really hurt you . '' So saying , he extended his hand to Colonel Lee , who , feeling he had been rather too hasty in construing the King 's jest in an unpleasant sense , kissed it with reverence , and attempted an apology . `` Not a word -- not a word , '' said the good-natured Prince , raising his penitent adherent as he attempted to kneel ; `` we understand each other .