nearly seven o'clock
Apprehensive for her safety and content of mind , stimulated as he had never been before by her frank , original presence , he mentally resolved to remain at St. Ignace for her sake , or if her protracted absence ensued , as she hoped , to manage to return when she did . He had arrived at this decision when , on drawing near Poussette 's , he perceived that individual himself in little straw hat and large white apron standing at the door engaged in critically examining an enormous catch of fish -- black bass and lunge , just brought in by the guides . Ringfield asked the time , for he began to realize how long he had been absent . It was nearly seven o'clock and the evening meal was over . Poussette at first tried to be angry . He declared that there was nothing left . Ringfield smiled and strode to the fish lying in glittering silver heaps on the grass .