noon
When he had finished , and drew breath , I stood up . `` Very bravely said , Cousin , bare legs and all , '' I said . `` We will speak of it all again to-morrow . But now for a bite ; we have been riding since noon . '' It was very strange to go upstairs again after a mouthful or two , and a glass of warm ale , and see my chamber again from which I had departed in such unhappiness near a twelvemonth ago . James had made a little fire for me , before which I drew off my boots and undressed myself . For it was from this very chamber that I had gone forth in such despair , when Dolly had said that she would not have me : and now , here I was in it again , all glowing with my ride and my drink and my great content , having kissed Dolly just now in her father 's presence as a symbol of our troth .