noon
With other new feelings , Sally had begun to feel backward at thought of going again to the seat behind the hedge . She could read anything now , and in more than one language . No excuse any longer for wanting to hear another read , and something told her that slyly listening was not becoming in any person of right ideas . One day at dinner , -- always the noon meal in those days , -- Parson Kendall said : `` It is now reported that Sir Percival Grandison , after much thought , feels it his duty to side with the king , and not to aid the colonists . But he hath great todo in striving to keep down the fiery spirit of his young son . The lad thinketh himself old enough to have a mind of his own , as indeed he is , and he greatly desireth to have his name enrolled as a soldier , if fighting must be done . It is sad to have father and son divided at such serious times , and Sir Percival wishes not to deal harshly with his son .