noon
Some one was singing when she reached the drawing-room door , and when the song was over , she slipped in , surprised , and a little taken aback , to see so many people in the room . A number of them were known to her ; there had been many pleasant gatherings at Troon in the summer , and , as was natural , Miss Graham of Bourhill , with her interesting personality and her romantic history , had received a great deal of attention from the Fordyces ' large circle of friends . The warmth of the greeting accorded to her made the lovely colour flush high in her cheek , and her eyes sparkle with added brilliance . ` Yes , I came up only at noon . I have been in the city since then , ' she replied , in answer to many questions . ` Oh , how do you do , Mr. Fordyce ? I did not expect to see you . '