midday
The morning had glided on to noonday . Joan , having had her sleep out , was playing with Miss Carolina in her crib . Outside a family of lingering swallows sat on the meadow fence discussing their plans for a hurried departure on the morrow ; and from the dovecot in the yard came the soft , continuous cooing of Auntie Alice 's pigeons as they strutted about the flags or preened their feathers in the sun . The distant barking of Mr. Grey 's collie , Scott , as he followed the sheep to the pasture , floated in through the open window ; while from the next room came the soothing murmur of nurse 's low , droning voice , singing baby Eric over to his midday sleep . What was it she sang ? but , indeed , she seemed always singing it . Nothing much ; only a snatch here and there from that old hymn she was so fond of , or perhaps sang almost unconsciously from habit : -- `` Oh , we shall happy be , When from sin and sorrow free !