noon
Keith gave it as his opinion that Gringo would stop short of suicide , commended Gringo 's taciturnity and evident perseverance , and departed for the hotel . In the dining-room he saw Mrs. Sherwood in a riding habit , eating alone . Keith hesitated , then took the vacant seat opposite . She accorded this permission cordially , but without coquetry , remarking that Sherwood often did not get in at noon . Immediately she turned the conversation to Keith 's affairs , inquiring in detail as to how the settling was getting on , when they expected to get in , how they liked the house , whether they had bought all the furniture . `` You remember I directed you to the auctions ? '' she said .