noon
Northmour was at my mercy ; I arranged a good practical jest , though I knew well that my neighbor was not the man to jest with in security ; and , chuckling beforehand over its success , took my place among the elders at the edge of the wood , whence I could command the door of the pavilion . The shutters were all once more closed , which I remember thinking odd ; and the house , with its white walls and green venetians , looked spruce and habitable in the morning light . Hour after hour passed , and still no sign of Northmour . I knew him for a sluggard in the morning ; but , as it drew on toward noon , I lost my patience . To say the truth , I had promised myself to break my fast in the pavilion , and hunger began to prick me sharply . It was a pity to let the opportunity go by without some cause for mirth ; but the grosser appetite prevailed , and I relinquished my jest with regret , and sallied from the wood . The appearance of the house affected me , as I drew near , with disquietude .