noon
Just think what a sensation you were going to make if I had n't interfered ! There , how nice you look ! '' The weather was so inclement during my absence that I felt quite secure concerning all intrusion for her . At noon the storm rose high , with a close-timed thunder and lightning ; the Episcopal church spire was struck ; two trees were blown over in the square ; and , instead of ordering Dan and the horses out in this tumult , I dined with a board member living next the library , and drove home at three o'clock when the violence of the gale had abated . The house was perfectly still when I reached it . The children were at school ; Cyrus , at the factory ; mother , napping , with her door closed . In her own room up-stairs , in the middle of the house , Peggy sat alone , in a loose wrapper , with her hair flying over her shoulders .