noon
In the afternoon you will walk or drive with her , and in the evening sit with us here , if you like , or amuse yourself as you please . While in the country we are very quiet , for I can not bear much company , and when my sons want gaiety , they go away for it . Miss Beaufort oversees the servants , and takes my place as far as possible . I am very delicate and keep my room till evening , except for an airing at noon . We will try each other for a month , and I hope we shall get on quite comfortably together . '' `` I shall do my best , madam . '' One would not have believed that the meek , spiritless voice which uttered these words was the same that had startled Coventry a few minutes before , nor that the pale , patient face could ever have kindled with such sudden fire as that which looked over Miss Muir 's shoulder when she answered her young host 's speech .