noon
He entertained them to the best of his ability , invited the neighbors to see them , and although his little soirees were very pleasant , still , as the guests were drawn from all classes of society , many amusing scenes were enacted , in all of which , Mistress Ulrica Eugenia performed a prominent and independent part . Although Mrs. Ulrica had liberated herself from all obedience to her legal master , and had in fact assumed the reins of government herself , she nevertheless possessed some , if not a great deal of affection for the rosy cheeks and sleepy eyes of her husband , and at the same time she kept a watchful eye upon those whom she suspected of partaking with her in this sentiment . Not only was Mrs. H -- occasionally aggravated by the pangs of jealousy , but she was also tormented by the thought that her husband entirely confided in her own fidelity , thus at once cutting off the possibility of a love quarrel and a reconciliation . Upon the evening when we first made the personal acquaintance of the inmates of Almvik , Mr. H -- and his wife were riding out in their gig ; for in the morning they rode in a light hunting wagon , and at noon they used the large family coach . Mr. H -- , immediately before starting forth on the ride had received a severe lecture from his spouse , because he indulged in an afternoon 's nap , instead of devising means for the amusement of the family , that is , of the worthy dame herself , and their only treasure , the little Eugene Ulrich , and Mr. H -- , we say , never felt inclined for sprightly conversation after such a lecture . He well knew that he would be obliged to succumb in everything ; but like a stubborn boy , who is punished by being compelled to stand in a corner until shame forces him to submit , Mr. H -- determined , to speak figuratively -- to stand silently in that corner the entire day rather than to acknowledge himself conquered . That was , at least , one point gained , towards his emancipation .