about noon
An autumnal cheerfulness was abroad , and pedestrians showed it in their quickened steps , in their enlivened eyes , and frequent smiles , and in the colour of their faces . But none showed more colour or a gayer look than Cora . She encountered many whom she knew , for it was indeed a day to be stirring , and she nodded and smiled her way all down the long street , thinking of what these greeted people would say to-morrow . '' _ I _ saw her yesterday , walking down Corliss Street , about noon , in a gray suit and looking fairly radiant ! '' Some of those she met were enemies she had chastened ; she prophesied their remarks with accuracy . Some were old suitors , men who had desired her ; one or two had place upon her long list of boy-sweethearts : she gave the same gay , friendly nod to each of them , and foretold his morrow 's thoughts of her , in turn . Her greeting of Mary Kane was graver , as was aesthetically appropriate , Mr. Wattling 's engagement having been broken by that lady , immediately after his drive to the Country Club for tea .