midday
Sometimes , when the others were not looking , she bent over as if to pick up something , and laid her cheek for a moment against the pillow . Toward sunset the girls disbanded . Their work was done , and the next morning at daylight the draperies and garlands were to be nailed up , and the illuminated scrolls put in place in the Town Hall . The first guests were to drive over from Hepburn in time for the midday banquet under a tent in Miss Hatchard 's field ; and after that the ceremonies were to begin . Miss Hatchard , pale with fatigue and excitement , thanked her young assistants , and stood in the porch , leaning on her crutches and waving a farewell as she watched them troop away down the street . Charity had slipped off among the first ; but at the gate she heard Ally Hawes calling after her , and reluctantly turned . `` Will you come over now and try on your dress ? ''