noon
but the misery of it , the tossing at night , the blank outlook ! How contemptible to revive such sensations , with mature intellect , after so long and stern a discipline ! Dreading the Sunday , so terrible in its depressing effect upon the lonely and unhappy , she breakfasted as soon as possible , and left home -- simply to walk , to exert herself physically , that fatigue and sleep might follow . There was a dull sky , but no immediate fear of rain ; the weather brightened a little towards noon . Careless of the direction , she walked on and on until the last maddening church bell had ceased its clangour ; she was far out in the western suburbs , and weariness began to check her quick pace . Then she turned back . Without intending it , she passed by Mrs. Cosgrove 's house , or rather would have passed , when she saw Mrs. Cosgrove at the dining-room window making signs to her .