noon
That Mr. Van Brandt had some sordid interest of his own to serve in writing this grotesquely impudent composition , and that the unhappy woman who bore his name was heartily ashamed of the proceeding on which he had ventured , were conclusions easily drawn after reading the two letters . The suspicion of the man and of his motives which I naturally felt produced no hesitation in my mind as to the course which I had determined to pursue . On the contrary , I rejoiced that my way to an interview with Mrs. Van Brandt was smoothed , no matter with what motives , by Mr. Van Brandt himself . I waited at home until noon , and then I could wait no longer . Leaving a message of excuse for my mother -LRB- I had just sense of shame enough left to shrink from facing her -RRB- , I hastened away to profit by my invitation on the very day when I received it . As I lifted my hand to ring the house bell , the door was opened from within , and no less a person than Mr. Van Brandt himself stood before me . He had his hat on .