noon
She lifted her hand to the receiver . `` Tell him you were cut off and had trouble getting his number again . Say your motor broke down in Central Park and you lost your way trying to walk home . Say you 're tired and do n't want to be disturbed till noon ; that you have the necklace safe and will give it to him if he will call tomorrow . '' Eleanor took a deep breath , gave the number to the switchboard operator and before she had time to give another instant 's consideration to what she was doing , found herself in conversation with Staff , reciting the communication outlined by her evil genius in response to his eager questioning . The man was at her elbow all the while she talked -- so close that he could easily overhear the other end of the dialogue . This was with a purpose made manifest when Staff asked Eleanor where she was stopping , when instantly the little man clapped his palm over the transmitter .