Sunday noon
She only half rose to give him her unwounded hand , and when he was gone she sank back again thoughtfully . `` I have outstayed all the rest , '' Lindsay said , with his hat and stick in his hand , in Alicia Livingstone 's drawing-room , `` because I want particularly to talk to you . They have left me precious little time , '' he added , glancing at his watch . She had wondered when he came early in the formal Sunday noon hour for men 's calls , since he had more casual privileges ; and wondered more when he sat on with composure , as one who is master of the situation , while Major-Generals and Deputy Secretaries came and went . There was a mist in her brain as she talked to the Major-Generals and Deputy Secretaries -- it did not in the least obscure what she found to say -- and in the midst of it the formless idea that he must wish to attach a special importance to his visit . This took shape and line when they were alone , and he spoke of outsitting the others . It impelled her to walk to the window and open it .