noon
`` And thou didst well , Peter , '' replied Carver musingly , while Priscilla standing in the doorway behind him , with Mary Chilton at her side , nodded mockingly , and clapped her hands in silent applause . Turning suddenly , the governor surprised her antics , but smiling , asked , -- `` Dost know , Priscilla , whither Captain Standish went this morning ? '' `` He and Francis Cooke went a-field so soon as they had done breakfast , sir , and as they carried axes and wedges in hand , it would seem they had gone to rive timber , '' replied Priscilla demurely . `` Ay , like enough ; but as ' t is near noon , when they will be home for dinner , we will e ` en wait till we have the captain 's counsel , and meantime I 'll see that all have their arms in readiness . '' `` And I will go help to make the dinner ready , '' said Priscilla . `` Thou canst lay the table , Mary . '' `` Ay , '' replied the girl listlessly , and turning suddenly to hide the tears that filled her blue eyes .