noon
Our hero did not sleep much that night . He was not altogether satisfied with the step he was about to take . It was not doing right by his employers ; but he compromised the matter in part by engaging Edward , `` for a consideration , '' to make the fires and sweep out the next morning . At noon , on the following day , he reached Rockville , and hastened to the house of Mr. Bryant . `` How is she ? '' he asked , breathless with interest , of the girl who answered his knock . `` She is better to-day .