noon
And though continually she reminded the staff she was present only as the friend of her schoolmate , Madame Iverney , they deferred to her as to a hostess . Many of them she already saluted by name , and to those who with messages were constantly motoring to and from the front at Soissons she was particularly kind . Overnight the legend of her charm , of her devotion to the soldiers of all ranks , had spread from Soissons to Meaux , and from Meaux to Paris . It was noon of that day when from the window of the second story Marie saw an armored automobile sweep into the courtyard . It was driven by an officer , young and appallingly good-looking , and , as was obvious by the way he spun his car , one who held in contempt both the law of gravity and death . That he was some one of importance seemed evident . Before he could alight the adjutant had raced to meet him .