noon
And a moment later South Framingham 's one time pride watched his exit through the grille gate into the descending elevator . As Wilkinson started blithely across the Common , he caught sight of a familiar figure advancing along one of the diagonal paths . He quickened his already jocund step to meet Miss Maitland at the intersection of their ways . `` Whither away so briskly this hungry noon ? '' he inquired with enthusiasm . `` If it were not for the fact that I am in search of some one to ask me to luncheon , I would ask you to come and lunch with me . '' `` Then if I were really quite hungry , which I am after an hour in this autumn air , I should decline your gallant invitation with regret , and say that I am on my way to lunch with Uncle Silas at the Club . ''