three
o'clock
Bice did not appear at breakfast . She did not even come downstairs , though the Contessa did , for luncheon . When Madame di Forno-Populo came in to this meal there was a general elevation of all heads and eager look towards her , to which she replied with her usual smile but no explanation of any kind ; nor would she make any reply , even to direct questions . She did nothing but smile when Montjoie demanded to know if Miss Forno-Populo was not coming downstairs , if she had gone away , if she were ill , if she would appear before three o'clock -- with which questions he assailed her in downright fashion . When the Contessa did not smile she put on a look of injured sweetness . `` What ! '' she said , `` Am I then so little thought of ?