noon
Mrs. Ellsworthy stooped down and kissed her husband 's brow -- she was all impatience for the morning to arrive , for surely early then would come an answer to the letter she had written . But Mrs. Ellsworthy was doomed to disappointment . The next day brought no answer from the Mainwaring girls . The good little lady bore her suspense as best she could until noon , then she ordered her carriage and drove into the village . Jasmine herself opened the cottage door for her . Jasmine was looking excited , and there were red rings round her eyes as if she had been crying , and yet at the same time those bright eyes of hers were shining , and her lips were quivering between smiles and tears . `` Oh , you have come ! ''