noon
The misgivings Uncle John had originally conceived concerning Count Ferralti returned in full force with this incident ; but he resolved to say nothing of it to his nieces . Silas Watson would be with them in a couple of days more and he would consult the shrewd lawyer before he took any decisive action . Next morning after breakfast he left his nieces in the garden and said he would take a walk through the town and along the highway west , toward Kaggi . `` I 'll be back in an hour or so , '' he remarked , `` for I have some letters to write and I want them to catch the noon mail . '' So the girls sat on the terrace overlooking the sea and Etna , and breathed the sweet air and enjoyed the caressing sunshine , until they noticed the portiere coming hastily toward them . `` Pardon , signorini , '' he said , breathlessly , `` but it will be to oblige me greatly if you will tell me where Signor Ferralti is . '' `` He is not of our party , '' answered Patsy , promptly ; but Louise looked up as if startled , and said : `` I have been expecting him to join us here . ''