noon
She was alive when she had dwelt under them ; yes , she and Evan too . She hurried her steps and went in at the lean-to door . It was now long past mid-day . The noon meal was over , apparently , and every sign of it cleared away . The kitchen was in spotless order ; but beside the table sat Mrs. Starling , doing nothing ; an unheard-of state of affairs . Diana came farther in . `` Mother '' -- `` Well , Diana , '' -- said Mrs. Starling , looking up .