noon
He poured out a cup for her , and put a piece of bread in the saucer , and she began to eat . As the warmth of the coffee flowed through her veins her thoughts cleared and she began to feel like a living being again ; but the return to life was so painful that the food choked in her throat and she sat staring down at the table in silent anguish . After a while Mr. Royall pushed back his chair . `` Now , then , '' he said , `` if you 're a mind to go along -- '' She did not move , and he continued : `` We can pick up the noon train for Nettleton if you say so . '' The words sent the blood rushing to her face , and she raised her startled eyes to his . He was standing on the other side of the table looking at her kindly and gravely ; and suddenly she understood what he was going to say . She continued to sit motionless , a leaden weight upon her lips .