noon
Thornton was about to go , again , to England . The day before he sailed he came into his wife 's sitting room , where she lay upon a couch , suffering from a severe headache . She never mentioned her pain or loneliness , and to Thornton 's careless glance she appeared as she always did -- pale , cold , and self-centred . `` Well , I sail at noon to-morrow ! '' he said , seating himself astride a chair , folding his arms and settling his chin on them . `` Yes ? Is there anything particular that you want me to look after in your absence ? ''