noon
After a while , these sounds ceased . He was evidently worn out , and was getting the rest that he needed , at last . The next morning he received a few lines from Mrs. Payson , giving a favourable account of Sally , and promising further particulars in a day or two . Encouraged by this good news , revived by a long night 's sleep , he went towards noon to pay his postponed visit to Regina . At that early hour , he could feel sure that his interview with her would not be interrupted by visitors . She received him quietly and seriously , pressing his hand with a warmer fondness than usual . He had anticipated some complaint of his absence on the previous day , and some severe allusion to his appearance in the capacity of a Socialist lecturer .