noon
Had an errand across the pond after the store was closed . Here 's a biscuit and some cheese . Why are n't you in bed ? Aunt Maria said Dad sent you there at noon . '' As he spoke , the boy lifted the little sister to her feet , brushed out her crumpled dress , smoothed back her tangled hair and slipped the biscuit saved from his own supper into her eager hands . `` I did go to bed , '' mumbled Tabitha , with her mouth full of bread . `` You are n't undressed . ''