noon
`` I agree to that , '' Hamlin responded . `` We can tell him that bad news from the mine has decided us not to go on with the mill building ; that we will help bear the loss of the first investment , and tender him back £ 25,000 . He will not only be glad to settle with us for that , but will feel grateful to us . '' So it was agreed that they should go at noon of the succeeding day . They each next morning purchased a valuable present , and repaired to Jack 's house . They were shown in , and their cards sent to Browning . The servant returned in a moment and said : `` Mr. Browning is engaged , and declines seeing the gentlemen . ''