noon
The house itself , large , solid and in perfect condition , was a landmark from every point of view round-about . `` Mrs. Crudup and her two older daughters welcomed me to their home and made me feel more at ease . Rebecca , being the youngest member of the family , was petted and made much of , and I came in for my share of it for being her best friend . `` After our baggage was placed in our rooms , we were escorted upstairs and left to prepare for dinner , which was generally at noon , but had been delayed for Rebecca 's arrival . `` My , but that was a delicious dinner ! I can almost taste the tender chicken with corn waffles , hot and crisp , this minute ! `` Not a word had been said about the reason of calling Rebecca home a week earlier than usual .