noon
He took Salome 's hand , held it for a moment in his , while he gazed into her eyes , then pressed it to his lips , and so took his morning 's leave of her . The same forenoon he rode over to the Lone Station , and dispatched a telegram to the family solicitor , Kage . Mr. Kage arrived at Lone , within twenty-four hours after having received the duke 's telegram . He reached the castle at noon and had a private interview with the duke in the library , when it was arranged that the will and the letter should be read the same afternoon in the presence of the assembled household . `` The letter also ? Is not that a private one from the father to his daughter ? '' inquired the duke .