noon
But with so little time to spare , '' she went on reassuringly , `` that , to simplify -- as he wired me an hour ago from Dedborough -- he has given rendezvous here to Mr. Bender , who is particularly to wait for him . '' `` And who may therefore arrive at any moment ? '' She looked at her bracelet watch . `` Scarcely before noon . So you 'll just have your chance -- '' `` Thank the powers then ! '' -- Hugh grasped at it . `` I shall have it best if you 'll be so good as to tell me first -- well , '' he faltered , `` what it is that , to my great disquiet , you 've further alluded to ; what it is that has occurred . ''