noon
`` A most gallant youth , '' said De Bury , when Sir Aymer was gone , `` and of the right fighting stock ; yet , if I mistake not , that sweet niece of mine is likely to make trouble for him . '' The shorter route to London was by Sheffield , but De Lacy chose to go by way of Pontefract . It would , of course , bring him upon the main highway between York and London further North than by the Sheffield road ; yet he took the chance of the Duke being delayed an extra day at York , in which event he would be able to await him at Doncaster , and join him at that place instead of at Nottingham . It was still wanting something of noon when the low white walls of Kirkstall glinted before them . De Lacy rode steadily on , however , nodding pleasantly to the porter , who was standing in the gateway , but declining his invitation to enter . It was better , he thought , that Abbot Aldam should have no opportunity to question his men as to their destination of yesterday . When they reached the banks of Aire , he ordered a short halt ; then swinging again into saddle , they splashed through the clear waters and breasting the opposite bank resumed the march at a rapid walk .