noon
To her Dora spoke of the letter ; it was to be given to her husband as soon as he returned . Not one word did she utter in reply to the woman 's question . She hurried with the keen desperation of despair , lest Ronald should return and find her still there . Soon after noon , and while Ronald lingered with some friends upon the steps of the Hotel d'Italia , his wife reached the busy railway station at Florence . She had money enough to take her home , but none to spare . She knew no rest ; every moment seemed like an age to her , until the train was in motion , and fair , sunny Florence left far behind . Without the stimulus of anger Dora would have shrunk in terror from the thought of a long journey alone -- she who had never been without the escort of a kind and attentive husband .