noon
I want to send a telegram . '' The man behind the counter supplied her with the necessary materials , and stood waiting curiously for the message to be written . But another idea had occurred to Tabitha , and turning away from the operator with the blank in her hand , she whispered to Gloriana in dismay , `` I do n't dare telegraph . Mr. Goodwin is a worse gossip than any old maid I ever knew , and he 'd tell it all over town before noon ! '' `` Then write a letter . '' `` It takes nearly a week for mail to travel that far . It might be too late by -- I 've got it !