noon
`` Now for this mighty secret . '' She just glanced at the mystic symbols , the cabalistic signs and figures , and turned to the other side . There , beautifully written , in long , clear letters , she saw her son 's fate . The morning wore on -- noon came ; the house was as still as a tomb . Rosine , my lady 's maid , with a cup of tea , ventured to tap at her ladyship 's door . There was no response . `` She sleeps , '' thought Rosine , and turned the handle .