noon
`` I would like to meet your new friend . I 'll try to be up tomorrow . '' The next day Dan seemed to be much better as the crisp morning air that swept into their drawing-room was very invigorating . By noon he declared that he was quite strong enough to go to the diner for lunch , and , while there , the excited children pointed out to him their friend Mr. Packard . That kindly man bowed and smiled , noting as he did so that the older girl in their party drew herself up haughtily . The observer , who was an interested student of character , did not find it hard , having seen Jane , to understand the lack of enthusiasm which the children had shown when speaking of her . Not wishing to thrust his acquaintance upon the girl , who so evidently did not desire it , the man passed their table on his way from the diner without pausing .