noon
When I raised my eyes , I saw my mother on the opposite side ; she sat on a chair with a draught of medicine in one hand , and a watch in the other . She caught my eye , but did not speak ; she gave me a sign of recognition , and looked down again upon the watch . My uncle 's back was turned to me , and he lay so still that , for some moments , I thought he was asleep ; at last , however , he moved restlessly . `` It is past noon ! '' said he to my mother , `` is it not ? '' `` It is three minutes and six seconds after four , '' replied my mother , looking closer at the watch . My uncle sighed .