noon
Thérèse had not reached the age of thirty-five without learning that life presents many insurmountable obstacles which must be accepted , whether with the callousness of philosophy , the revolt of weakness or the dignity of self-respect . The following morning , the only sign which she gave of her mental disturbance , was an appearance that might have succeeded a night of unrefreshing sleep . Hosmer had decided that his interview with Mrs. Lafirme should not be left further to the caprice of accident . An hour or more before noon he rode up from the mill knowing it to be a time when he would likely find her alone . Not seeing her he proceeded to make inquiry of the servants ; first appealing to Betsy . `` I don ' know whar Miss T'rèse , '' with a rising inflection on the `` whar . '' `` I yai n't seed her sence mornin ' , time she sont Unc ' Hi'um yonda to old Morico wid de light bread an ' truck , '' replied the verbose Betsy .