noon
I _ knew _ you 'd come , Eric . '' He threw back the bed-clothes and rang for his bath . `` I suppose Lady Barbara will think _ she _ knew I was coming , too , '' he said to himself . `` I do n't mind being made a fool of _ once _ ... '' At noon he tidied his papers and lighted a cigarette while he waited for a call from his agent . The `` Divorce '' was being produced in America ; and for an arid , perplexing half-hour Mr. Grierson , with eyes half-closed in the grey smoke of his cigar , pushed cables , letters , copies and a draft agreement across the table . `` Stay and have some lunch , '' Eric suggested , as half-past twelve struck . `` Manders is due any time now .