noon
But this was a society maxim Miss Darrell could by no means be brought to understand . Where she liked she liked , where she hated she hated -- there were no half measures for her . The last day came . At noon , with a brilliant May sun shining , the ship fired her farewell guns , and steamed away for Merrie England . Edith leaned over the bulwark and watched the receding shore , with her heart in her eyes . `` Good-by to home , '' she said , a smile on her lip , a tear in her eye . `` Who knows when and how I may see it again .