noon
`` We have all been hurt in our day and generation , '' responded Brother Soulsby , genially . `` Do n't you worry ; he 'll sleep that off too . It takes longer than drink , and it does n't begin to be so pleasant , but it can be slept off . Take my word for it , he 'll be a different man by noon . '' When noon came , however , Brother Soulsby was on his way to summon one of the village doctors . Toward nightfall , he went out again to telegraph for Alice . Spring fell early upon the pleasant southern slopes of the Susquehanna country .