noon
De Lacy , on his part , seemed much pleased ; for , young as Eveline was , her questions showed intelligence , and her mode of answering , both apprehension and docility . In short , familiarity was so far established betwixt them , that in the nest stage of their journey , the Constable seemed to think his appropriate place was at the Lady Eveline 's bridle-rein ; and although she certainly did not countenance his attendance , yet neither did she seem willing to discourage it . Himself no ardent lover , although captivated both by the beauty and the amiable qualities of the fair orphan , De Lacy was satisfied with being endured as a companion , and made no efforts to improve the opportunity which this familiarity afforded him , by recurring to any of the topics of the preceding day . A halt was made at noon in a small village , where the same purveyor had made preparations for their accommodation , and particularly for that of the Lady Eveline ; but , something to her surprise , he himself remained invisible . The conversation of the Constable of Chester was , doubtless , in the highest degree instructive ; but at Eveline 's years , a maiden might be excused for wishing some addition to the society in the person of a younger and less serious attendant ; and when she recollected the regularity with which Damian Lacy had hitherto made his respects to her , she rather wondered at his continued absence . But her reflection went no deeper than the passing thought of one who was not quite so much delighted with her present company , as not to believe it capable of an agreeable addition . She was lending a patient ear to the account which the Constable gave her of the descent and pedigree of a gallant knight of the distinguished family of Herbert , at whose castle he proposed to repose during the night , when one of the retinue announced a messenger from the Lady of Baldringham .