nearly noon
Thus had passed nearly two years , and insensibly , without a word of love having been breathed , each felt all the security which a consciousness of being beloved alone could yield , and that assurance imparted to their manner and address when alone a confiding air , the more endearing from the silence of their lips . But although no word uttered by themselves proclaimed the existence of the secret and holy compact , not only were they fully sensible of it themselves , but it was obvious to all -- even to the least observant of the garrison , and many were there , both among the soldiers and their wives -- by all of whom the young ensign was liked for his openness and manliness of character -- who expressed a fervent hope that the beautiful and amiable Miss Heywood would soon become the bride of their favorite officer . This it was , which had led the men of the fishing-party to express in their way , their sorrow for the young lady , when she should hear of the events at the farm-house , even while passing their rude encomiums on the sweetness of disposition of her , whom they already regarded as the wife of their young officer . It was nearly noon , and Lieutenant Elmsley had not yet made his appearance with the promised report . Maria Heywood had , after passing an hour with her mother , returned to the breakfast-room , which it will be recollected opened immediately upon the barrack-square . Her friend being engaged with her domestic affairs , which every lady was at that period in a measure compelled to superintend , she had thrown herself -LRB- still in her morning dishabille -RRB- on a couch with a book in her hand , but with a mind wholly distracted from the subject of its pages . After continuing some time thus , a prey to nervous anxiety , as much the result of Elmsley 's long absence as of her former fears , the sound of the fifes and drums fell startlingly , she knew not wherefore , upon her ear and drew her to the door .