noon before
Clouds dimmed the radiance of the moon , threatening darkness , and we quickened our pace . There was no further talk on the homeward ride . As I Make My Adieux Mr. Philip Comes In . When the eventful day of departure came , what with the last packing , the searches to see that nothing should be forgotten , the awkwardness and slowness of hands unnerved by the excitement of a great occasion , it was high noon before I was ready to start . I stood idly in the hall , while my aunt put final touches to my traps , my mind swinging like a pendulum between fear that Mr. Cross , whom I was to join at Caughnawaga , would be vexed at my delay , and genuine pain at leaving my dear home and its inmates , now that the hour had arrived . I had made my farewells over at my mother 's house the previous day , dutifully kissing her and all the sisters who happened to be at home , but without much emotion on either side . Blood is thicker than water , the adage runs .