noon
I 've written three letters to her friends for her . To-morrow I suppose I shall have to write her last will and testament . '' * * * * * But on the morrow Cook was enough better to be able to indite her own documents , though as yet unable to come downstairs . It was well that she did not require much of our time , however , for just before noon a party of touring motorists drove up to our door and precipitated themselves upon us with warm greetings -- and hungry looks toward our dining-room . `` Smoke and ashes ! '' cried the Skeptic , under his breath , appearing in the kitchen , whither the Gay Lady and I had betaken ourselves as soon as we had furnished our guests with soap and water and clothes-brushes , and left them to remove as much of the dust of the road from their persons as could be done without a full bath -- `` why did n't you send them on to the village inn ? Of all the nerve !