noon
Her black eyes were brightly dilated , her mouth tremulous , and her throat swollen . Paulina Maria grasped Belinda by the shoulder . `` You 'd better get the broom an ' sweep out the wood-shed , '' said she , and Belinda went out with a limp flutter of her cotton skirts and her curls . Jerome rode the old white horse , that could only travel at a heavy jog , and he did not get home until noon -- not much in advance of the funeral guests he had bidden . They had directly left all else , got out what mourning-weeds they could muster , and made ready . When Jerome reached home , he was immediately seized by Paulina Maria . `` Go right out and wash your face and hands real clean , '' said she , `` and then go up-stairs and change your clothes .