noon
He spoke in sincere contrition . To relieve him Olympia smiled sadly , saying , `` Wo n't you take us back , please ? '' The ambulance drove on into the Warrenton pike , and , if Olympia had known it , within a stone 's - throw of Jack 's last effort , where the cavalry picket came upon him . It was noon when they reached the station . The orderly returned the ambulance to the hospital , brought down the luggage , and the three women made a luncheon of fruit and dry bread , declining the orderly 's invitation to eat at the hospital . The train came on three hours late . It was filled with military men , most of them officers ; but so soon as the orderly entered the rear coach , ushering in his charges , two or three young men with official insignia on their collars arose with alacrity and begged the ladies to take the vacant places .