noon
Many times she had resolved that , if she ever saw the man again -LRB- which seemed unlikely , as nobody appeared ever to have heard of him -RRB- , she would make a point of saying something pretty sharp and definite to him , showing him how little she cared for the opinions of such as he . And then , at other times , she decided that it might be best simply to ignore the man altogether , turning her back with dignity , after perhaps one look such as would completely show him up . Let sleeping dogs lie , as they say ... . She rose , in excellent spirits , shortly after noon , and began an unhurried toilet . The toilet was so unhurried , indeed , that she had hardly finished and descended to the family sitting-room on the second floor when her father 's latch-key was heard clicking in the front door . This sound was the unofficial luncheon-gong . The House of Heth proceeded to the dining-room , where Mr. Heth kissed his daughter 's cheek in jocund greeting .