noon before
`` No , '' returned he ; `` it was so remarkably unpleasant , Madaline , I could not wish for a repetition ; '' and then they went back to the house together . `` Norman , '' said Madaline , as they stood before the great Gothic porch , `` will you wait until to-morrow before you tell the duchess ? '' `` No , '' he laughed , `` I shall tell her this very day . '' It was almost noon before Lord Arleigh saw Philippa , and then it struck him that she was not looking well . She seemed to have lost some of her brilliant color , and he fancied she was thinner than she used to be . She had sent for him to her _ boudoir _ . `` I heard that you were inquiring for me , Norman , '' she said .