noon
In other regards , quiet had come to them all and less tempestuous fears . Could the judge but weather the possible conviction of this man and restrain himself from a disclosure of his own suffering , more cheerful days might be in store for them , for no further missives were to be seen on the lawn , nor had anything occurred for days to recall to Deborah 's mind the move she had made towards re-establishing her husband 's innocence . A week passed , and the community was all agog , in anticipation of the judge 's charge in the case just mentioned . It was to be given at noon , and Mrs. Scoville , conscious that he had not slept an hour the night before -LRB- having crept down more than once to listen if his step had ceased -RRB- , approached him as he prepared to leave the house for the court room , and anxiously asked if he were quite well . `` Oh , yes , I 'm well , '' he responded sharply , looking about for Reuther . The young girl was standing a little behind him , with his gloves in her hand -- a custom she had fallen into in her desire to have his last look and fond good morning . `` Come here , child , '' said he , in a way to make her heart beat ; and , as he took the gloves from her hand , he stooped and kissed her on the forehead -- something he had never done before .