noon before
Something about it seemed to fascinate him , to challenge his presence . Now it was missing from the wall . He threw off his coat and hat , filled his pipe , and began gathering up his few possessions , ready for packing . It was noon before he was through , and Gregson had not returned . He boiled himself some coffee and sat down to wait . At five o'clock he was to eat supper with the Brokaws and the factor ; Eileen , through her father , had asked him to join her an hour or two earlier in the big room . He waited until four , and then left a brief note for Gregson upon the table .