noon
They helped him mount the proud but steady Lord Rollin , and in a moment more three of them rode away , leaving Sam Spruce to walk back . Left alone , Sam took a good look around , and Sally , who had seen them talking but could not hear what was said , was in terror lest he should spy her in the branches of the oak ; but Sam , who looked in other directions , did not look up , and , finally , wagging his head in a knowing way , he moved off , greatly to Sally 's relief . The maid was in a kind of dream all the rest of the day , and , without exactly knowing it , she was very happy . Shortly before noon she returned to the house , and going directly to the mirror in the keeping-room she said , without vanity , but with considerable curiosity : `` I wonder if I am fair at all ? '' and as the mirror flashed back the image of a maiden surely very pleasant to look upon , she chuckled : `` I do n't care , very glad I am that when I first touched the Fairy Prince and looked right into his eyes , I was in my best attire , and also dressed in flowers . I wonder did it mean anything ? '' `` What should it mean ? ''