nearly noon
It was one more instance of the endless ironic humor of the universe . Lawrence -- Lawrence and her husband ! She turned wearily back toward the cabin . It was nearly noon when she reached home again , and Lawrence , a worried look on his face , was standing in the door of the cabin . `` You beat me back , '' Claire said , as she approached , and her heart leaped at the look of relief that came into his face . `` Claire , you ought to be punished , '' he said in gay , tender tones . `` What sentence would you pass , Mr. Judge ? ''