about
noon
Richard was stunned with such a volley of words from one whom he supposed ignorant of the matter , and observing his evident surprise Grace continued , `` You wonder how I know , Victor told me this morning ; he was too much delighted to keep it to himself . But say , where is Edith ? '' `` Here I am , '' and advancing from the parlor , where she had overheard the whole , Edith laughed a gay , musical laugh , as hollow and meaningless as Mrs. Atherton 's forced levity . Had she followed the bent of her inclinations she would not have left her pillow that day , but remembering Victor 's words , `` Unless I see it 's killing you , '' she felt the necessity of exerting herself , of wearing the semblance of happiness at least , and about noon she had arisen and dressed herself with the utmost care , twining geranium leaves in her hair just as she used to do when going to see Arthur , and letting them droop from among her braids in the way he had told her was so becoming . Then , with flushed cheeks and bright , restless eyes , she went down to Richard , receiving his caresses and partially returning them when she fancied Victor was where he could see her , `` Women are queer , '' he said again to himself , as he saw Edith on Richard 's knee , with her arm around his neck . `` Their love is like a footprint on the seashore ; the first big wave washes it away , and they are ready to make another . I reckon I sha n't bother myself about her any more .