noon
In four days they were in San Francisco , and two days later on board a fast steamship bound for the land of the Mikado . In the meanwhile Jennie was left to brood . The original announcement in the newspapers had said that he was to be married in April , and she had kept close watch for additional information . Finally she learned that the wedding would take place on April fifteenth at the residence of the prospective bride , the hour being high noon . In spite of her feeling of resignation , Jennie followed it all hopelessly , like a child , hungry and forlorn , looking into a lighted window at Christmas time . On the day of the wedding she waited miserably for twelve o'clock to strike ; it seemed as though she were really present -- and looking on . She could see in her mind 's eye the handsome residence , the carriages , the guests , the feast , the merriment , the ceremony -- all .