about noon
Her foster-father was abroad . Yet her school fees were paid regularly , her allowance had been ample , and her clothes were always slightly better than those of the other girls . Therefore , though she called him `` uncle , '' she looked upon Benton as her father and obeyed all his commands . Just about noon the car swung into the gates of Shapley , and soon they were indoors . Benton threw off his coat , and in an abrupt manner said to the servant : `` I want to see Mrs. Bond at once . '' Then , turning to Louise , he exclaimed : `` I want to see Molly privately . I have some urgent business to discuss with her before your profiteer friends arrive . ''