noon
He had built rosy air castles , had dreamed of comforts , and pleasures for the two dear ones who now sat opposite him at the table , the one full of hope , and cheer , the other trying to summon cheer that she did not feel , in order to comfort him . The forenoon passed swiftly , because the three were busy . Captain Seaford was making some repairs that the gale had made necessary . Indoors Mrs. Seaford had needed the help of little Sprite in some work that she was doing , and when the noon hour came they could hardly believe the clock . Sprite , usually eager to be out of doors , kept close at her mother 's side , pulling bastings from the garments that she was making . Sometimes she paused to look from the window , then again she would busy herself with the bastings , and after a time , Mrs. Seaford , looking up , noticed with what rapt attention Sprite was gazing out at the ocean . `` What is it , Sprite ? ''