noon
Again Massi was seized with the conviction that he was dealing with a madwoman , and as the procession started he only held out his hand to her once more , earnestly entreated her to calm herself , sent his remembrances to her husband and children , and then swung himself into the saddle . Barbara remained standing by the side of the road as if turned to stone , gazing after the travellers until the dust which they raised concealed them from her gaze . Then she shook her head and slowly returned to Brussels . Pyramus would come home at noon . Lamperi and the maid might provide the meal and attend to the rest of the household affairs . It was far past twelve , and it would still be a long time before she went home , for she must , yes , must go up to the palace park and to the Dubois house to inquire where her soul must seek her child in future . Her feet could scarcely support her when she entered the dwelling .