noon
Meanwhile , because I am Grace Carrington , and he would not receive you if he were here , you must come no more to the Manor while my father is away . Besides , each hour is precious in spring , and now you must spend it well for me . '' I had perforce to agree . Grace was always far above the petty duplicity which even some excellent women delight in , and she added gently : `` Some day you will be glad , Ralph , that we acted in all things openly ; but a fortnight to-morrow I intend riding to Lone Hollow , from which I return at noon . Then , as a reward of virtue , you may meet me . '' It was with buoyant spirits that I rode homeward under the starlight across the wide , dim plain , for the cool air stirred my blood , and the great stillness seemed filled with possibilities . The uncertainty had vanished , the time was drawing in , and something whispered that before another winter draped white the prairie Grace would redeem her promise .