noon
Leonora bent her head on her arm , and wept silently . Polly was endeavoring to soothe them both when Dr. Dudley came in . Learning the cause of the tears , he remonstrated in his humorous way , until Leonora smiled again ; but David scorned such comfort , refusing to move or to speak . Finally the Doctor started to prepare the medicine he had come for , and the girls went upstairs , Polly renewing to return directly after the noon meal . Polly 's `` Anne Sisters '' Dr. Dudley 's office was without an occupant when Polly peeped in . The Doctor had not returned from dinner , and David had gone home for the rest of the day . The little girl wandered about the room , too full of vague dread to care for books , or even for the fine collection of sea shells , which usually she never tired of .