nearly eleven in the evening before
When I had learned all he knew , I returned to the lindens and sat down on a bench . I do not know what feeling of sadness came over me as I saw the goat approaching me . I arose from my seat , and , for distraction , I followed the path I had seen Madame Pierson take , a path that led to the mountains . It was nearly eleven in the evening before I thought of returning ; as I had walked some distance , I directed my steps toward a farmhouse , intending to ask for some milk and bread . Drops of rain began to splash at my feet , announcing a thunder-shower which I was anxious to escape . Although there was a light in the place , and I could hear the sound of feet going and coming through the house , no one responded to my knock , and I walked around to one of the windows to ascertain if there was any one within . I saw a bright fire burning in the lower hall ; the farmer , whom I knew , was sitting near his bed ; I knocked on the window-pane and called to him .