noon
And there were the children . Through all her frantic search for things in the house , Judith remembered that she must step softly and not waken the children . With each turn of the screw , as her numbed consciousness rallied and responded afresh to the hideous realization of this thing , there came no release from the tyrannous hold of petty detail . She remembered that she must be back at noon to hold post-office , and there would be the endless comedy to be played once more with her cavaliers . They must never suspect from word or look of hers . And there was the dance to-night at the Benton ranch -- she hid her face in her hands . Ah , no , she could not do this thing !