noon
True , there have been some predatory incursions , but the state as a whole has not been overrun by the enemy . If General Greene can continue to hold Lord Cornwallis ' attention in the Carolinas we may not suffer as those states have . '' Thus she spoke , for no one imagined at this time that Virginia would soon become the center of activities . And so chatting they crossed the river , and by noon were in Chester , where they baited their horses and refreshed themselves for the afternoon journey . It was spring . The smooth road wound beneath the budding foliage of the forest . The air was fresh and balmy , and laden with the perfume of flowers and leaves .