noon
General Wolcott hesitated , but as he was about to make reply his eye fell upon Betty , who confronted him across the table with parted lips and large , beseeching eyes so full of entreaty that he changed the words almost upon his lips . `` It is a delicate question , my son , '' he said gravely , `` and one I would rather not discuss at the present moment . More especially '' -- and a half-quizzical smile lit up his grave but kindly face as he turned toward Miss Moppet and gently pinched her little ear , -- `` more especially as the gentleman has taken the law in his own hands and escaped from Wolcott Manor despite the fact that as it is the residence of a Continental officer and the sheriff of Litchfield County it might be supposed to have exceptional reasons for detaining him . Captain Seymour , I will be glad to sign the papers of which General Putnam has need , and we will go at once to my library , for you must be off by noon . '' Some two hours later , as Betty sat watching in her chamber window , she saw the horses led around to the front door , and shortly after knew from the sounds below that Pamela and Dolly wore bidding the young officers good-by ; so , waiting until the sound of their horses ' feet had died away in the distance , Betty , with outward composure but much inward dismay , tripped softly downstairs and knocked at the door of the library . `` Pray Heaven he be alone , '' she sighed as she heard her father 's voice bid her enter , and then she crossed the threshold and confronted him . `` Father , '' she said , steadying herself by one small hand pressed downward on the table behind which he sat , `` I -- that is -- I have something to tell you . ''