midday
He also looked back anxiously from time to time , to see whether the two Erdmanns were lurking anywhere with their mocking remarks . But when they went through the open fields it was quite natural that they should walk side by side . It was a sunny forenoon in June . The white sand on the road glittered ; round about golden hawkweed was blooming and meadowsweet waved in the warm wind ; the midday bell sounded from the village ; no human creature was to be seen far and wide ; the heath seemed quite deserted . Elsbeth wore a wide-brimmed straw-hat on her head as a protection against the sun 's rays . She took it off now , and swung it to and fro by the elastic . `` You will be too hot , '' he said ; but as she laughed at him a little he took his off also and threw it high in the air .