noon
After a time the sisters came there , hand in hand , and stood among the graves . And then the dream grew dim , and faded . With the brightness and joy of morning , came the renewal of yesterday 's labours , the revival of its pleasant thoughts , the restoration of its energies , cheerfulness , and hope . They worked gaily in ordering and arranging their houses until noon , and then went to visit the clergyman . He was a simple-hearted old gentleman , of a shrinking , subdued spirit , accustomed to retirement , and very little acquainted with the world , which he had left many years before to come and settle in that place . His wife had died in the house in which he still lived , and he had long since lost sight of any earthly cares or hopes beyond it . He received them very kindly , and at once showed an interest in Nell ; asking her name , and age , her birthplace , the circumstances which had led her there , and so forth .