noon
And another . She tried to push back her chair to escape , but she was like a person paralyzed . With returning strength to move came an overwhelming wave of nausea . She crept up to her own room and lay motionless and soundless for hour after hour , until presently it was noon , and the pleasant tinkling of gongs announced that lunch was served . Lydia rose , and made her way down the stairs to the well-ordered table , set with the daintiest of perfectly prepared food , and stood , holding on to the back of a chair , while she rang the bell . The little second girl answered it -- one of the flitting , worthless , temporary occupants of that position . `` Tell Ellen to come here , '' said her mistress .