midday
`` The order shall be reversed this morning . You shall listen while I take a turn at reading . '' A timely breeze sprang up about noon , and the sun , after wasting some time in playing an aggravating game of hide-and-seek behind the shifting masses of grey cloud , decided to come boldly out , to the great joy of the small birds who hopped on the lawn where the water hung like diamonds on every blade of grass . The sparrows chirruped with satisfaction as they pecked about for their midday meal , and the stout thrushes tugged at succulent worms which had poked their misguided heads through the soft damp earth regardless of probable and dire consequences . In the swaying branches of the tree-tops the rooks used strong language -- or it sounded like it -- as they balanced themselves with clumsy ease and strove to straighten their ruffled plumage under circumstances which made toilet operations far from easy . The rabbits in the park popped their heads out of their holes and sniffed the air in an inquiring manner , as much as to say , `` Is it safe to venture out ? '' and then , coming to the conclusion that it was , had a short quick scamper to stretch themselves after their slumbers .