noon
Evidently it was Madam 's custom to make the acquaintance of her new girls in this way , one at a time . Only fifteen freshmen were admitted each year , so it was possible for her to take a personal interest in every pupil . Betty 's heart fluttered expectantly as she paused an instant in the door of the pink room . Madam Chartley had looked very imposing and dignified as she presided at the lunch-table that noon , with the stately Hawkins behind her chair and the stately portraits looking down from the walls . She looked now as if she might be the original of one of these old portraits herself , as she sat there in the high-backed chair , with the griffins carved on its teakwood frame . Her gray gown trailed around her in graceful folds . There was a soft fall of lace at wrists and throat , and her white hair had a sheen like silver against the pink brocade with which the chair was upholstered .