nearly noon before
To Gilbert the way was not too long , nor the progress too slow . It gave him time to grow familiar , not only with the fact , but with his duty . He forcibly postponed his wandering conjectures , and compelled his mind to dwell upon that which lay immediately before him . It was nearly noon before the hearse reached Old Kennett meeting-house . The people of the neighborhood , who had collected to await its arrival , came forward and assisted the mourners to alight . Alfred Barton mechanically took his place beside his wife , but again buried his face in his handkerchief . As the wondering , impatient crowd gathered around , Gilbert felt that all was known , and that all eyes were fixed upon himself and his mother , and his face reflected her own firmness and strength .