noon
As she chattered of the ranch and the picking , her voice , still sweet and controlled , came from her lips like the pleasant music of a tea bell . He was mainly silent ; although he threw in a quiet , controlled answer here and there . One could read , in the shadowy solicitude with which she regarded him now and then , the relation between that welded old couple -- she the entertainer , the hoarder of trivial detail from her days ; he the fond , indulgent listener . `` I think Eleanor must be back from the city , '' Mrs. Tiffany was saying , `` I notice smoke from the big chimney ; and I suppose she 'll be over before noon with the sulphur samples . It 's amusing and homey in her -- her habit of flying to her own little nest before she comes to us . She 'll inspect the house , have dinner ordered , and know every blessed detail of the picking before we catch a glimpse of her . '' Mrs. Tiffany smiled sadly , as though this industry were somewhat tragic .