noon
`` I know no more than that gentleman , '' he said , nodding towards the lawyer ; and then followed Isabel ; and together they made their way up to the inn . * * * * Anthony was a good deal changed in the last six years ; his beard and moustache were well grown ; and he had a new look of gravity in his brown eyes ; when he had smiled and shaken his head at the eager crowd just now , showing his white regular teeth , he looked as young as ever ; but the serious look fell on his face again , as he followed Isabel up the steep little cobbled slope in his buff dress and plumed hat . There was not so much apparent change in Isabel ; she was a shade graver too , her walk a little slower and more dignified , and her lips , a little thinner , had a line of strength in them that was new ; and even now as she was treading English ground again for the first time for six years , the look of slight abstraction in her eyes that is often the sign of a strong inner life , was just a touch deeper than it used to be . They went up together with scarcely a word ; and asked for a private room and dinner in two hours ' time ; and a carriage and horses for the servants to be ready at noon . The landlord , who had met them at the door , shook his head . `` The private room , sir , and the dinner -- yes , sir -- but the horses -- '' and he spread his hands out deprecatingly . `` There is not one in the stall , '' he added .