nearly noon
So Ruth went to her home , and Ethel hastened to Gramercy Park . Madam was eagerly watching for her arrival . `` I have been impatient for a whole hour , all in a quiver , dearie , '' she cried . `` It is nearly noon . '' `` I have been impatient also , Granny , but father and Ruth met us at the pier and stayed to breakfast with us , and you know how men talk and talk . '' `` Ruth and father down at the pier ! How you dream ! ''