midday
She was only aware that something had happened , and that she would know the facts in a few seconds . About fifty yards up the turning she saw the old gentleman waiting . He was in his London clothes , silk-hatted and spatted , and made a curiously incongruous picture there in the deep-banked lane that led upwards to the village . On either side towered the trees , still leafless , yet bursting with life ; and overhead chattered the birds against the tender midday sky of spring . He lifted his hat as she came to him ; but they spoke no word of greeting . `` Tell me quickly , '' she said . `` I am Maggie Deronnais . ''