midday
With that she darted away from Polly and ran over to her mother . `` I have n't been cheerful , and I was just as bad as I could be coming up in the carriage , '' she said as fast as the words would come , `` so you see I ca n't stay . '' `` This is your seat , Alexia , '' said Mother Fisher , just as if she had n't heard a single word , and laying her hand on a chair , she pulled it out from the table ; `` hurry and sit down , dear , for those two boys must be very hungry after their journey , '' and Alexia obeyed and slipped into her chair , for once in her life not waiting to get Polly Pepper next to her . And after the little luncheon was over , -- and it did n't seem to have made a bit of difference that every one besides the two hungry boys had already had a midday meal , for it all tasted so good , -- why , things began to get a bit more cheery . And Mother Fisher and Mrs. Whitney even smiled over to each other . But Van , his hunger appeased , slipped out after his mother when at last the feast was over . `` Oh , Vanny , my boy , it is so good to get you home , '' she cried , affectionately throwing her arm around him , as they went down the hall .