midday
`` Earn something ? But surely -- '' She met a silencing look from Mr. Tredegar , who had stepped between Mrs. Dillon and herself . `` My dear child , no one doubts -- none of these good people doubt -- that you will look into the case , and do all you can to alleviate it ; but let me suggest that this is hardly the place -- '' She turned from him with an appealing glance at Amherst . `` I think , '' the latter said , as their eyes met , `` that you had better let me dismiss the hands : they have only an hour at midday . '' She signed her assent , and he turned to the operatives and said quietly : `` You have heard Mrs. Westmore 's promise ; now take yourselves off , and give her a clear way to the stairs . '' They dropped back , and Mr. Tredegar drew Bessy 's arm through his ; but as he began to move away she turned and laid her hand on Mrs. Dillon 's shoulder . `` You must not stay here -- you must go back to the children .