noon
`` We know who is still child enough to hate darkness , '' said Harriet . `` Take care , '' said Betty . `` You must make haste , or I shall leave you to it . '' The insect youth are on the wing , Eager to taste the honeyed spring , And float amid the liquid noon , Some lightly on the torrent skim , Some show their gaily gilded trim , Quick glancing to the sun . -- GRAY Though hours were early , the morning meal was not served till so late as really to deserve the title of breakfast . When the three sisters sat down at nine-o'clock , in mob caps , and the two younger in white dresses , all had been up at least two hours . Aurelia led forward little Eugene in a tailed red coat , long-breasted buff waistcoat , buff tights and knitted stockings , with a deep frilled collar under the flowing locks on his shoulders , in curls which emulated a wig .