noon
she has come . '' Clarence insisted on being dressed with extraordinary care . His long fierce-looking beard was trimmed carefully , and he looked much better than he had done for weeks ; he was wonderfully stronger , walked across the room , and chatted over his breakfast with unusual animation . At noon they came , and were shown into the drawing-room , where Emily received them . Mr. Bates bowed politely , and expressed a hope that Mr. Garie was better . Emily held out her hand to little Birdie , who clasped it in both her own , and said , inquiringly : `` You are his sister ? '' `` Yes , '' answered Emily .