noon
After all , it had not been in vain , his quixotic lingering in Cape Town for a weary month after receiving his discharge . Weldon and he had been good friends through thick and thin ; it would have been beastly to leave him . And now , after all these useless weeks , he could at least do something to lighten the convalescence . Moreover , Carew 's pocket held three letters , received that very noon ; one of grudging approval from his son-sick mother , one of chaotic , but heartfelt thanks from Mrs. Weldon , and the third one an affirmative answer to a telegram he had sent to Alice Mellen , only the night before . He went into Weldon 's room , looking , as he felt , the embodiment of happiness and health . He hailed Weldon from the threshold . Tidings like his could wait during no interchange of mere conventional greetings .