noon
And nobody came for Bessie . That she should go home to Beechhurst for a Christmas holiday she had taken for granted ; and while abiding the narrow discipline , and toiling at her unaccustomed tasks with conscientious diligence , that flattering anticipation made sunshine in the distance . Every falling leaf , every chill breath of advancing winter , brought it nearer . Janey and she used to talk of it half their recreation-time -- by the stagnant , weedy fountain in the garden at noon , and in the twilight windows of the _ classe _ , when thoughts of the absent are sweetest . For the Petrel had not come into port at Caen since the autumn , and Janey was still left at school in daily expectation and uncertainty . `` I am only sorry , Janey , that you are not sure of going home too , '' said Bessie , one day , commiserating her . `` If I am not sailing with father I would rather be here .