noon
`` It is certainly odd , though perhaps not so odd as stupid , that they should have anchored in the Cove just to disembark one woman 's boxes . It would have been much simpler to go to the Port , as every well-bred skipper does , and had the French woman 's stuff carted out . At any rate , we 'll go down this afternoon and have a look at her . '' By the time they reached the Inn it was noon , and still there was no word of Nancy . The dinner was a silent one , as the Marquis tactfully did not disturb his companions ' preoccupation , and Mrs. Frost , who was unusually nervous , did not appear . After the meal the two young men started for the beach . At Tom 's suggestion they got a little dory from the boathouse and rowed out to the clipper .