noon
An hour later , while Marjorie was in the library absorbed in composing one of those non-committal marvelously elusive letters that only a young girl can write , Bernice reappeared , very red-eyed , and consciously calm . She cast no glance at Marjorie but took a book at random from the shelf and sat down as if to read . Marjorie seemed absorbed in her letter and continued writing . When the clock showed noon Bernice closed her book with a snap . `` I suppose I 'd better get my railroad ticket . '' This was not the beginning of the speech she had rehearsed up-stairs , but as Marjorie was not getting her cues -- was n't urging her to be reasonable ; it 's an a mistake -- it was the best opening she could muster . `` Just wait till I finish this letter , '' said Marjorie without looking round .