noon
`` Oh , I know the ways of girls . Because Miss Adair , your fine friend , does nothing but sit in a drawing-room all day , you 'll be sure to think that you must needs follow her example ! '' `` I hope Margaret will do something beside sit in a drawing-room , '' said Janetta , with her cheery laugh ; `` because I am afraid that she might find that a little dull . '' But in spite of her cheeriness her spirits were perceptibly lowered when she set foot in the victoria that was sent for her at noon . Her stepmother 's way of begrudging her the friendship which school-life had bestowed upon Janetta was as distasteful to her as Miss Polehampton 's conviction of its unsuitability had been . And for one moment the tears of vexation gathered in her brown eyes as she was driving away from the shabby little house in Gwynne Street ; and she had resolutely to drive away unwelcome thoughts before she could resign herself to enjoyment of her visit . The day was hot and close , and the narrow streets of old Beaminster were peculiarly oppressive .