noon
Madelon heard the door shut , and knew her tormentor was gone ; and after her fine attire was packed away she went down-stairs and about her tasks again . But she sang no more . The certainty of the future overcame her like the present , and her short-lived joy or respite was all gone . When her father and brothers came home at noon they found the old stern quiet in her face , and their suspicions that there had been a rupture with Lot ceased . They were relieved , but the boy Richard eyed her with furtive pity . That night he lingered behind the others when they dispersed for the night , and went up to Madelon and threw an arm around her , and laid his cheek against hers . `` Oh , Madelon , I wish -- '' he began , and then he caught his breath , and his cheek against hers was wet , and Madelon turned and comforted him , as a woman will turn and comfort a man for even his pity for her sorrow .