noon
The hovel stood so remote from all other habitations , and the waste around was so bare of trees , and even shrubs , that Alice saw with despair that all hope of flight in such a place would be indeed a chimera . But to make assurance doubly sure , Darvil himself , lifting her from the cart , conducted her up a broken and unlighted staircase , into a sort of loft rather than a room , and , rudely pushing her in , turned the key upon her , and descended . The weather was cold , the livid damps hung upon the distained walls , and there was neither fire nor hearth ; but thinly clad as she was -- her cloak and shawl her principal covering -- she did not feel the cold , for her heart was more chilly than the airs of heaven . At noon an old woman brought her some food , which , consisting of fish and poached game , was better than might have been expected in such a place , and what would have been deemed a feast under her father 's roof . With an inviting leer , the crone pointed to a pewter measure of raw spirits that accompanied the viands , and assured her , in a cracked and maudlin voice , that '' ` Old Tom ' was a kinder friend than any of the young fellers ! '' This intrusion ended , Alice was again left alone till dusk , when Darvil entered with a bundle of clothes , such as are worn by the peasants of that primitive district of England . `` There , Alley , '' said he , `` put on this warm toggery ; finery wo n't do now .