noon
`` I thank you heartily for your history , '' said the youth , who had listened very attentively to this detail ; `` and though my happiness and pursuits are centred in that world which you despise , yet I confess that I feel a sensation very like envy at your singular choice ; and I would not dare to ask of my heart whether that choice is not happier , as it is certainly more philosophical , than mine . '' They had now reached a part of the road where the country assumed a totally different character ; the woods and moors were no longer visible , but a broad and somewhat bleak extent of country lay before them . Here and there only a few solitary trees broke the uniformity of the wide fields and scanty hedgerows , and at distant intervals the thin spires of the scattered churches rose , like the prayers of which they were the symbols , to mingle themselves with heaven . The gypsy paused : `` I will accompany you , '' said he , `` no farther ; your way lies straight onwards , and you will reach W -- before noon ; farewell , and may God watch over you ! '' `` Farewell ! '' said the youth , warmly pressing the hand which was extended to him . `` If we ever meet again , it will probably solve a curious riddle ; namely , whether you are not disgusted with the caravan and I with the world ! ''