noon
`` I expect they will at once throw off their unsightly mantles and stand forth in all the splendours of their antique costume . '' The members of the crowd pushed backwards and forwards amongst each other , and the strangers had soon disappeared in the crush ; but even after the hours of ` Change were long over , and only a few odd individuals crossed the hall , Traugott still remained in the self-same place with the letter of advice in his hand , as though he were converted into a solid stone statue . At length he perceived Herr Elias Roos coming towards him with two strangers . `` What are you about , cogitating here so long after noon , my respected Herr Traugott ? '' asked Elias Roos ; `` have you sent off the letter all right ? '' Mechanically Traugott handed him the paper ; but Herr Elias Roos struck his hands together above his head , stamping at first gently , but then violently , with his right foot , as he cried , making the hall ring again , `` Good God ! Good God !