noon
In short , though Louise 's disreputable occupation would have been in other circumstances an objection to Catharine 's voluntarily frequenting her company , yet , forced together as they now were , she found her a humble and accommodating companion . They lived in this manner for four or five days , and , in order to avoid as much as possible the gaze , and perhaps the incivility , of the menials in the offices , they prepared their food in their own apartment . In the absolutely necessary intercourse with domestics , Louise , more accustomed to expedients , bolder by habit , and desirous to please Catharine , willingly took on herself the trouble of getting from the pantler the materials of their slender meal , and of arranging it with the dexterity of her country . The glee woman had been abroad for this purpose upon the sixth day , a little before noon ; and the desire of fresh air , or the hope to find some sallad or pot herbs , or at least an early flower or two , with which to deck their board , had carried her into the small garden appertaining to the castle . She re-entered her apartment in the tower with a countenance pale as ashes , and a frame which trembled like an aspen leaf . Her terror instantly extended itself to Catharine , who could hardly find words to ask what new misfortune had occurred . `` Is the Duke of Rothsay dead ? ''