midday
Prided myself on being sharp - sighted , and could n't save you from a blow like this ! ... Maud , you do n't want to go home ? You would rather not see him this morning ? Mother said she would give no definite answer before talking to father , but would let him see Lilias for half an hour , and then pack him off by the midday train . She was going to tell him that under the circumstances she would prefer that he did not stay to lunch , so there would seem nothing strange about it if you and I were not back before he left . '' `` No , '' agreed Maud softly . She drew her watch from her belt and looked at the hour .