noon
was the answer , sounding cavernous from behind hair and fingers . An explanation presently followed , that a summons had come for him in the morning from Mr. Thompson ; and that Mr. Ripton had departed against his will . In fact , Ripton had protested that he would defy his parent and remain by his friend in the hour of adversity and at the post of danger . Sir Austin signified his opinion that a boy should obey his parent , by giving orders to Benson for Ripton 's box to be packed and ready before noon ; and Ripton 's alacrity in taking the baronet 's view of filial duty was as little feigned as his offer to Richard to throw filial duty to the winds . He rejoiced that the Fates had agreed to remove him from the very hot neighbourhood of Lobourne , while he grieved , like an honest lad , to see his comrade left to face calamity alone . The boys parted amicably , as they could hardly fail to do , when Ripton had sworn fealty to the Feverels with a warmth that made him declare himself bond , and due to appear at any stated hour and at any stated place to fight all the farmers in England , on a mandate from the heir of the house . `` So you 're left alone , '' said Austin , contemplating the boy 's shapely head .