noon
`` There , '' she said at last , looking up at Catharine with a soft pathetic smile that lent new beauty to her face ; `` I have done justice to your delicious fare ; now draw your chair closer , for I am starving for news of Margaret , and ` like water to a thirsty soul is news from a far country . ' How often I say those words to myself . '' `` But not bad news , surely , Miss Crystal ; and it is like enough you 'll think mine bad when told . Hark , it only wants the half hour to noon , and they are man and wife now . '' `` Man and wife ! of whom are you talking , Catharine ? '' `` Of whom should I be talking , dearie , but of the young master ? ''