about noon
`` How long do you think we shall have to stay here ? '' whispered Anne , as the dreary fearful moments dragged by . `` I do n't know , dear , '' answered the elder girl , `` but we must n't be afraid . '' The hours went by and the little edge of light around the high shuttered window began to fade a little , and the girls knew that the long summer day was fading to twilight , and that it had been about noon when they came to the house . A great fear now took possession of Rose 's thoughts , the fear for her father 's safety . She was sure that unless some harm had befallen him he would have found them before this time . `` Rose ! ''