noon
It was not until the light of morning struggled through this universal gloom , that the weary and bedraggled traveler entered the outskirts of the then straggling but growing and busy village of Hamilton . Tired in body and benumbed in mind , he made his way to the hotel , conscious only of his desire and determination to look once more upon the face of the woman whose image was so indelibly impressed upon his mind . Approaching the desk he nervously asked if the doctor was among the guests , flushed at the answer , demanded a room , ascended the steep staircase , and was soon in bed and asleep . Fatigued by his long tramp , he did not awaken until after noon , and then , having bathed , dressed and broken his long fast , he knocked at the door of the room occupied by the doctor and his wife . There was a quick but gentle step in answer to his summons , and at the music of that footfall his heart beat tumultuously . The door opened , and before him stood the woman who had brought about this mysterious train of events in his life . She started back as she saw him , with an involuntary and timid motion , but so great was her surprise and joy that she could not control her speech or action sufficiently to greet him .