noon
By him a letter was punctually received by Susan . As the hour of Belding 's return approached , her impatience and anxiety increased . The daily epistle was received and read , in a transport of eagerness . For a while her emotion subsided , but returned with augmented vehemence at noon on the ensuing day . These agitations were too vehement for a feeble constitution like hers . She renewed her supplications to Wallace to quit the city . He repeated his assertions of being , hitherto , secure , and his promise of coming when the danger should be imminent .