noon
Mrs. Bays and Tom had that evening driven to town to meet the nominal head of the house . It was two o'clock when Sukey left Rita gazing into the fire and computing the minutes till evening , when she knew Dic would be with her . He might possibly come over for supper . The weather was cold , and snow had been falling since noon . The sycamore log was under the snow , and she did not hope to have Dic to herself ; but to have him at all would be joy sufficient , and she would dream of him until he should come . While dreaming , she turned her face toward the window to watch the falling snow . She did not see the snow , but instead saw a man .