noon
`` Yes , '' he said , `` it is really Auntie Sue 's money ; but it is all I have , and I ca n't return it to her -- without her knowing -- so I -- '' Betty Jo interrupted : `` I understand . It is all we can do , -- forgive me ? '' Brian Kent did not know that Betty Jo , a few minutes later , buried the envelope he had given her deep in the bottom of her trunk without even opening it . The next day , Brian drove to Thompsonville with Betty Jo , who took the noon train for the East . The two were rather quiet as `` Old Prince '' jogged soberly along the beautiful river road . Only now and then did they exchange a few words of the most commonplace observation . They were within sight of the little Ozark settlement when Brian said , earnestly : `` I wish I could tell you , Miss Williams , just what your coming to help me with this work has meant to me . ''