noon
He woke with a start , dressed , and let himself quietly out . The likeness of his going to that of Ferrand struck him . `` Both outcasts now , '' he thought . He tramped on till noon without knowing or caring where he went ; then , entering a field , threw himself down under the hedge , and fell asleep . He was awakened by a whirr . A covey of partridges , with wings glistening in the sun , were straggling out across the adjoining field of mustard . They soon settled in the old-maidish way of partridges , and began to call upon each other .