noon
May I come ? '' Holcomb lifted his slouch hat from his head . `` Why , certainly , Mrs. Thayor . We can make it there and back by noon , '' and his eyes wandered over the trim and graceful figure accentuated so charmingly by her short skirt . Margaret had also followed the lines of the costume . `` You must always wear a short skirt , mother -- it is most becoming . '' `` And so comfortable , my dear , '' added Alice nonchalantly as she placed both hands about her flexible waist and half turned .