nearly noon
But Ralph stood looking past her . It was as plain as could be that he was not approaching the rocks ; that he did not like the song ; and that he was thinking what he should say about it . `` Oh , dear , '' said Dora , suddenly starting . `` I have ever so much to do this morning , and it must be nearly noon . I wonder what made that queer Miss Panney think of giving me this corkscrew . '' Ralph knew very well that the old lady meant the little implement as a figurative auxiliary of consolation , but he merely remarked that Miss Panney did and gave very queer things . He opened the door for her , and she bade him good-by and went out .