noon
There were no frolics at noontime or after school ; no mirth and scant laughter . A few of the girls were known to be carrying aching hearts , and it was whispered that two or three were engaged to be married to young soldier-boys now in the academy . Liddy wore a new and heavy plain gold ring , and when questioned as to its significance quietly answered , as was her wont : `` I have no confessions to make , '' but those who were nearest to her and knew her best detected a proud look in her eyes and drew their own conclusions . It was noticed also that she and Manson were seldom apart during the noon hour , and invariably walked away from the academy together . As there were other couples who thus paired off it caused no comment . When the last day came the academy was packed with the parents and friends of pupils , and on Liddy 's desk was a bunch of June roses . She knew whose hand had placed them there .