noon
It was holiday with her . And when she lay down to rest , the sense of being alone was still grateful . Sleep came very soon , and she did not stir till morning . On the third day Elgar returned , at noon . She heard the cab that brought him . He lingered in the hall , opened the library door ; then came to the drawing-room , humming an air . His look was as different as could be from that she had last seen on his face ; he came towards her with his pleasantest smile , and first kissed her hand , then embraced her in the old way .