noon
`` Have you a message from our father ? '' The conductor shook his head . `` No , not that . This telegram is from the president of the railroad telling us that four young people named Abbott are his guests , and he wishes them to receive every courtesy , and now , as it is noon , if you will come with me , I will escort you to the diner . '' `` Oh , but I 'm glad , '' Julie , who treated everyone with frank friendliness , smiled brightly up into the face of the man whom she just knew must be a father , he had such kind , understanding eyes . `` I 'm awful hungry ; are n't you , Gerry ? '' she whispered , a moment later , as they filed down the aisle in procession , the conductor first , Jane next , with Dan at the end as rear guard .