about noon
It fell to Hazel to make all decisions , though the neighbours and old friends were most kind with offers of help . Hazel waited anxiously for an answer to the telegram , but night fell and no answer had come . There had been a storm and something was wrong with the wires . The next morning , however , she sent another telegram , and about noon still a third , with as yet no response . She thought perhaps he had not waited to telegraph but had started immediately , and might be with them in a few hours . She watched the evening stage , but he did not come ; then realized how her heart was in a flutter , and wondered how she would have had strength to meet him had he come . There was the letter from his mother , and her promise .