noon
I had scarcely settled to my work , which , however , wanted but a few touches to the finishing , when the sportsmen passed the window on their return from the stables . It was partly open , and Mr. Huntingdon must have seen me as he went by , for in half a minute he came back , and setting his gun against the wall , threw up the sash and sprang in , and set himself before my picture . ` Very pretty , i ' faith , ' said he , after attentively regarding it for a few seconds ; ` and a very fitting study for a young lady . Spring just opening into summer -- morning just approaching noon -- girlhood just ripening into womanhood , and hope just verging on fruition . She 's a sweet creature ! but why did n't you make her black hair ? ' ` I thought light hair would suit her better .