noon
`` He said no female member of his family had ever worked before , and he might have added , few male members either . He said his family would be disgraced forever by the introduction of such a low Yankee innovation ; but Helen stood firm , and , moreover , she was urged by the hand of necessity . I understand that she has quite a good place and her salary is to be paid in gold . She will pass here every day at noon , coming home for her luncheon . '' Prescott spent most of the morning at home , the remainder with his new friends , wandering about the city ; but just before noon he was in front of the Custom House , waiting by the door through which Helen must come . She appeared promptly at the stroke of twelve and seemed surprised to see him there . `` I came merely to tell you how much I admire your resolution , '' he said .