nearly noon
`` He 'll work for our interests just as long as it is for his interest to do so , but I imagine anybody could buy him off pretty easy . He 's one of your swells ; see how he dresses and what hightoned notions he has for a man in his position , and then tell me he would n't take a little tip on the outside if he got a chance . '' `` I think you are mistaken , '' said Mr. Blaisdell slowly , `` still , of course , there might be something in what you say ; I 'll think it over , '' and the subject was dropped for that day . Houston was very busy until nearly noon , but left the office a little earlier than usual , as he was anxious to meet Miss Gladden a few moments in advance of the others , if possible . She was outside the porch , training some vines which she and Lyle had transplanted from among the rocks by the lake . Her back was toward the road , but hearing Houston 's step , as he approached the house , she quickly turned , and in the depths of her luminous eyes he read a welcome that made his return seem more than ever like a home-coming . Clasping warmly the shapely little hand extended to him in greeting , he drew it within his arm , and having led her to a comfortable seat within the porch , he drew his own chair close beside her , where he could watch the lovely face , so classic and perfect in its beauty , and clothed , when animated , with a subtle , spirituelle radiance .