midday
`` What did this Pinky Swett want to see her about ? '' `` Do n't know , '' answered the child as she remembered the money Pinky had given her and the promise of more . The teacher questioned no further , but went on with her work in the class . _ IT _ was past midday when Mr. Dinneford returned home after his fruitless search . Edith , who had been waiting for hours in restless suspense , heard his step in the hall , and ran down to meet him . `` Did you see the baby ? '' ' she asked , trying to keep her agitation down .