Noon
Perhaps an insufficient quality of food may have tended to this asceticism . He generally avoided Clytie ; but one evening when she returned to the schoolhouse after something she had forgotten , -- and did not find it until the master walked home with her , -- I hear that he endeavored to make himself particularly agreeable , partly from the fact , I imagine , that his conduct was adding gall and bitterness to the already overcharged hearts of Clytemnestra 's admirers . The morning after this affecting episode , M'liss did not come to school . Noon came , but not M'liss . Questioning Clytie on the subject , it appeared that they had left for school together , but the willful M'liss had taken another road . The afternoon brought her not . In the evening he called on Mrs. Morpher , whose motherly heart was really alarmed .