midday
Was there more than one ? '' queried Mr. Hucks , sharp as a knife . `` There was a small girl , not one of my charges . She called on me shortly after midday with a story that an aunt of hers , who may or may not exist , but whom she pretended to anticipate , took an interest in this child . While she waited for this aunt 's arrival , the -- er -- matron , Mrs. Huggins , incautiously allowed her access to the kitchen garden , where -- without my knowledge and against my rules -- the boy happened to be working . The pair of them have disappeared ; and , further , I have convinced myself that their exit was made by way of the coal-shaft . '' `` A small girl , you say ?