about
noon
When the cab drew up at the door , he had decided nothing . He entered , pale , his hands moist with perspiration , dreading to meet her , burning to meet her , ignorant of what he was to say or do . The maid Bilson was in the hall , and in answer to his question : `` Where is your mistress ? '' told him that Mrs. Forsyte had left the house about noon , taking with her a trunk and bag . Snatching the sleeve of his fur coat away from her grasp , he confronted her : `` What ? '' he exclaimed ; `` what 's that you said ? '' Suddenly recollecting that he must not betray emotion , he added : `` What message did she leave ? ''