about noon
so forgive me , dearest mother , if I waste no time in reflection . It would be but time thrown away , when one is resolved as I am . '' Philip pressed his lips to his mother 's signature , folded up the paper , and put it into his pocket ; then , taking the key , he proceeded downstairs . It was about noon when Philip descended to open the chamber ; the sun shone bright , the sky was clear , and all without was cheerful and joyous . The front door of the cottage being closed , there was not much light in the passage when Philip put the key into the lock of the long-closed door , and with some difficulty turned it round . To say that when he pushed open the door he felt no alarm , would not be correct ; he did feel alarm , and his heart palpitated ; but he felt more than was requisite of determination to conquer that alarm , and to conquer more , should more be created by what he should behold . He opened the door , but did not immediately enter the room : he paused where he stood , for he felt as if he was about to intrude into the retreat of a disembodied spirit , and that that spirit might reappear .