noon
Madam Conway knew that something was wrong , but it was in vain that she sought an explanation . Mr. Carrollton kept his own secret ; and consoling herself with his volunteered assurance that in case it became necessary for him to return to England he should , before embarking , visit Hillsdale , she bade him a second adieu . In the meantime Maggie , having given up all hopes of again seeing Mr. Carrollton , was waiting impatiently the coming of Hagar , who was absent , having , as Maggie readily conjectured , gone to Richland . It was long past noon when she returned , and by that time the stains had disappeared from Maggie 's face , which looked nearly as bright as ever . Still , it was with far less eagerness than usual that she took from Hagar 's hand the expected letter from Henry . It was a long , affectionate epistle , urging her once more to accompany him , and saying if she still refused she must let him know immediately , as they were intending to start for New York in a few days . `` I ca n't go , '' said Maggie ; `` it would not be right . ''