noon
`` Now . '' The Nurse rose and put both arms around her . `` I am so afraid for you , '' she said ; `` and it has been so good to see you ... . I do n't know whether we 'll ever meet again -- '' Her voice was obliterated in the noisy outburst of bugles sounding the noon sick-call . They went out together , where the Messenger 's horse was tied under the trees . Beyond , through the pines , glimmered the tents of an emergency hospital . And now , in the open air not very far away , they could hear picket firing .