noon
Her face was sharp , her eyes black and snake-like , while her brow was channelled into deep furrows which made you think it almost impossible that she had ever been young or handsome . Her upper lip was unusually short , and seemed to writhe with a constant sneer ; and in spite of her corrugated brow , long nose , and curved chin , which bore the unmistakable marks of age , her fine teeth shone white and ghastly , when she unclosed her fleshless , thin lips . A worse , or more sinister aspect , I have seldom , during the course of my life , beheld . In answer to her inquiry , I informed her that Mr. Moncton was at home , but particularly engaged ; and had given orders for no one to be admitted to his study before noon . With a look of bitter disappointment , she then asked to speak to Mr. Theophilus . `` He has just left for France , and will not return for several years . '' `` Gone !