noon
Leaving the path one entered upon a world of dim green light , a world of soft whispering sounds , a world of enchantment ; and it was into this world that Diana 's feet strayed as she came and went . It was here she spent most of her mornings ; it was here she found the solitude she craved . The guests at the mountain house called the Beautiful Lady exclusive ; but it was an exclusiveness which matched her air of remoteness , and since such friendships as she encouraged were with those who were lonely and tired and sick , she made no enemies by her withdrawal from the conventional life of the place . The lazy folk on the porch who were content to wait for the mail bag which came at noon by carrier always watched with curiosity the departure and return of the stately woman who was said to be wealthy and of great social eminence . She went alone and came back just in time for lunch , having loitered on the way to read her letters . The letters , however , were not always satisfying . They brought such meager news of that which lay so near her heart !