midday
His step was light , his troubled eyes clear once more . He was ready to play his part in every sense , grateful for the respite from his pain . His confidence in himself returned , and he went to the trying and momentous meetings of the morning with his gigantic mental grasp and convincing methods at their best . Dorothy 's message did not reach him till after midday had come and gone . Once Larkin had left the conclave and returned with his face big with consternation and surprise . Gard divined that the news of the murder was out , but nothing was brought up except the business of the corporation . When at last he left the meeting he motored back to the hotel , refusing the hospitality cordially extended to him , his one desire to be again in touch with events transpiring in New York .