about noon
Her objective point was none other than Firmstone himself . Having come to this laudable conclusion , she waited impatiently an opportunity for its execution . Early one morning , a few days later , Élise saw Firmstone riding unsuspiciously by , on his way to the mine . Previous observations had taught her to expect his return about noon . So without ceremony , so far as Pierre and Madame were concerned , Élise took another holiday , and followed the trail that led to the mine . At the falls , where she had eaten breakfast with Zephyr , she waited for Firmstone 's return . Toward noon she heard the click of iron shoes against the rocks , and , scattering the flowers which she had been arranging , she rose to her feet .