noon
`` Bring George to see me to-morrow . I shrunk from asking it before : I thought the sight of him would too much revive old sorrows ; but I feel I should accustom myself to face every memory . Bring him . '' The next day the Colonel took George to Darrell 's ; but George had been pre-engaged till late at noon , and Darrell was just leaving home , and at his street door , when the uncle and nephew came . They respected his time too much to accept his offer to come in , but walked beside him for a few minutes , as he bestowed upon George those compliments which are sweet to the ears of rising men from the lips of those who have risen . `` I remember you , George , as a boy , '' said Darrell , `` and thanked you then for good advice to a schoolfellow , who is lost to your counsels now . '' He faltered an instant , but went on firmly : `` You had then a slight defect in utterance , which , I understand from your uncle , increased as you grew older ; so that I never anticipated for you the fame that you are achieving .