noon
asked Carver , holding Vivian 's horse for her to mount . `` No , Carver , '' said Virginia sweetly , `` you ca n't . We want to see how it will really seem to be homesteading all alone . We 'll be back by noon to-morrow , and will go after gophers in the afternoon , if you want to wait . If you do n't , it 's all right . '' `` Why not invite us to supper ? '' suggested Donald .