noon
`` You do n't mean to say you have been to Ocean View , and back , this same day ! '' exclaimed Grace , in surprise . `` Yes . We went down on the first train this morning -- up before the sun , really , and we arrived before noon . It did not take us long to decide about the cottage . Mamma and I leased it , with the privilege of buying in the fall , if we like it . Then we came back , and on the way , in the train , I asked mamma if I could n't have you girls down for the summer . ''