noon
There were grumblings carried on in a low key behind Flynn 's back , but the atmosphere for the most part was one of depression . Ellen ate her luncheon with Maria and Abby . Willy Jones came up timidly when they were nearly finished , feeling his way with a remark about the storm , which was increasing . `` All the cars are tied up , '' he said , `` and the noon train is n't in . '' He leaned , with a curious effort at concealment from them all and himself , upon the corner of the bench near Abby . Then a young man passed them , with such an air of tragedy and such a dead-white face that they all stared after him . `` What in the world ails you , Ben Simmons ? ''