noon
Even the boys sat up and took notice , each secretly thinking that Rosa , the beauty , would get it , of course . But she did n't ; she slipped up on the word `` receive , '' after all , putting the i before the e ; and her stolid companion , catching her breath awesomely , slowly spelled it right and received the blue prize , pinned gracefully at the throat of her old brown gingham by the teacher 's own soft , white fingers , while the school looked on admiringly and the blood rolled hotly up the back of her neck and spread over her face and forehead . Rosa , the beauty , went crestfallen to her seat . It was at noon , while they ate their lunch , that Margaret tried to get acquainted with the girls , calling most of them by name , to their great surprise , and hinting of delightful possibilities in the winter 's work . Then she slipped out among the boys and watched their sports , laughing and applauding when some one made a particularly fine play , as if she thoroughly understood and appreciated . She managed to stand near Jed and Timothy just before Bud rang the bell . `` I 've heard you are great sportsmen , '' she said to them , confidingly .