noon
`` That will all wear off by and by , '' said the skipper confidently . `` Yes , '' I thought , `` and she wo n't be a widow long . '' * * * * * Next morning Nerida had an hour or two among the prints and muslin in the trade-room , and there was something of the old beauty about her when she sat down to breakfast with us . We were to sail at noon . The leak had been stopped , and Packenham was in high good-humour . `` Nerida , '' I inquired unthinkingly , `` do you know what became of the ALIDA ? She never turned up again . ''