noon
There was a warm welcome waiting for me from the many friends , and best of all from the king himself . With him I sat long in his chamber telling of my doings and of Owen , and hearing also of what had been going on . At the last , when I was about to leave his presence , he said : `` There is one matter that we must speak of tomorrow , for it is weighty and needs thought . Let it bide now , for it is nought unhappy , and so come to me at noon and we will speak thereof . Now your friends will seek you , and I will not say more . '' I left him then with a little wonder as to what this business might be , but thought little of it , as it would very likely be a matter of taking some men on some errand or the like house-carle work , and then I bethought me that I would even go and see how fared Elfrida . It was not unpleasant to think of taking her by surprise , for I did not suppose that she had heard of my return yet .