noon
`` I have caused a fellow creature 's death ! '' That was the envenomed thought that corroded her heart 's centre . From her bosom , too , peace had fled . It was near noon when the news of Marian 's fate reached Luckenough , and overwhelmed the family with consternation and grief . But Jacquelina ! the effect of the tragic tale on her was nearly fatal . She understood the catastrophe , as no one else could !