midday
But it rejoiced her that Brian Dalton had fought his battle with himself alone , and had conquered . How much his appreciation of her high sense of honour had contributed to his victory , she would never know . The next morning Honor received a telegram from Joyce to meet her at the Grand Hotel in Calcutta without delay , and she was only too glad for a respite of even a few days from the pain of schooling herself to avoid the man she loved . Her parents having no objection , she caught the express at midday , and was in Calcutta the same night , her mind lightened of one of its burdens . At least the little wife had acted upon advice and was going to her husband without waste of time , after which all would surely be well for them both . Joyce was prepared for her coming , and they talked to a late hour , she , betraying her trouble by her anxious questioning , which Honor skilfully parried . `` You must not put too much faith in gossip , '' said Honor after learning of the conversation which had been overheard on the ship .