noon
She ordered her to carry a nice luncheon to Violet at twelve , but to be sure to lock the door both going in and coming out , and on pain of instant dismissal to pay no heed to Violet 's entreaties to be set at liberty . Then , feeling that she had safely snared her bird , at least for a few hours , she went about her shopping with an easy mind . Violet , after thinking her condition over for a while , resolved not to make any disturbance to attract the attention of the servants . She reasoned that Sarah , the second girl , would bring her some luncheon at noon , and she determined to seize that opportunity to effect her release ; just how that was to be accomplished she did not know , but get out and go to the city she must before two o'clock . She dressed herself for the street , all save her hat and wrap , and then began to plan ways and means . Suddenly her face lighted , and going into her dressing-room , she surveyed the large mirror which was suspended above the marble bowl . Taking a penknife from her pocket , she deliberately severed the heavy cord by which it was held in place , and then exerting all her strength , she let it carefully down until the bottom of the frame rested upon the marble , while the top leaned against the wall .