noon
Previous observations had taught her to expect his return about noon . So without ceremony , so far as Pierre and Madame were concerned , Élise took another holiday , and followed the trail that led to the mine . At the falls , where she had eaten breakfast with Zephyr , she waited for Firmstone 's return . Toward noon she heard the click of iron shoes against the rocks , and , scattering the flowers which she had been arranging , she rose to her feet . Firmstone had dismounted and was drinking from the stream . She stood waiting until he should notice her . As he rose to his feet he looked at her in astonished surprise .