nearly noon before
When at length the first streak of dawn was breaking far off in the eastern sky , and Stephen came forth from the Chamber of Decision , there was no doubt as to the outcome of the fight . His face bore the marks of the struggle , but it also shone with a new light . When his mother and Nora came downstairs they were astonished to see him up so early , the fire in the kitchen stove burning brightly , and the cattle and sheep fed . Usually Stephen was hard to arouse in the morning , and it was nearly noon before the chores were finished , and then always in a half-hearted way . They looked at each other , and wondered at the change which had taken place . Although Stephen had won a victory over himself , he was yet much puzzled . He wished to redeem the homestead , but how should he set about the task ?