noon
asked Alice , brushing back the wavy golden hair from her forehead , and looking up at him with her bright blue eyes , which bore no outward sign of the dark cloud that dimmed their vision , -- `` and that is ? '' -- she repeated . `` That letter , '' taking the hand that held it in both of his own . `` If I am to get that noon train I have no time to lose . '' `` Before you take it , '' said Alice , `` you must promise me that it shall not be opened , and no eye but Lindy 's must ever rest upon it . '' `` You have my word , '' he replied . `` Then take it , '' said she ; and she released her hold upon it .