midday
The joy which had at first stupefied him made him now feel glad and proud . Happiness smiled upon him once more , before the consummation of his evil fortune -- he would see Hannah Gropphusen again . It was noon when he arrived in the garrison town . All the good citizens were at their midday meal . The streets were deserted , and the little colony of villas that formed the officers ' quarters showed no sign of living inhabitants . The Gropphusens ' house , with its closed shutters and lowered blinds , looked half asleep ; but Hannah 's windows were as usual draped in their pale pink curtains . Reimers went through the garden and into the porch .