noon
Besides , they all knew her affections were already engaged , and had come to learn , though late and unwillingly , that there are cases in which no rival can be more formidable than a dead one . Autumn , I have said , was near its close . The weather had given indications of an early and severe winter ; and the widow , whose worn-out and delicate frame was affected by every change of atmosphere , had for a few days been more than usually indisposed . It was now long past noon , and she had but just risen . The apartment , however , bore witness that her young friend had paid her the accustomed morning visit ; the fire was blazing on a clean comfortable-looking hearth , and every little piece of furniture it contained was arranged with the most scrupulous care . Her devotions were hardly over , when the well-known tap was again heard at the door . `` Come in , my lassie , '' said the widow , and then lowering her voice , as the light foot of her friend was heard on the threshold -- `` God , '' she said , `` has been ever kind to me -- far , very far aboon my best deservings ; and , oh , may He bless and reward her who has done so meikle , meikle for me ! ''