About noon
Soon the lump in my throat melted away , the moisture left my eyes , and only the future concerned me . Every object that came into sight , every tree along the roadside , now interested me . I passed several travellers , some of whom seemed to envy me my indifference to the cold weather , my look of joyous content . About noon I overtook , just where the road left a wood and turned to cross a bridge , a small cavalcade consisting of an erect , handsome gentleman of middle age , and several armed lackeys . The gentleman wore a black velvet doublet , and his attire , from his snowy ruff to his black boots , was in the best condition . He had a frank , manly countenance that invited address . At the turn of the road he saw me , and , taking me in at a glance , he fell behind his lackeys that I might come up to him .