noon
He set to work in the stable , and scraped and cleaned to the last corner , and rubbed and scoured to the smallest harness buckle . It was all very unusual , and Pat , standing attentive throughout it all , revealed marked interest and something of surprise . Soon he was to know the reason . Along toward noon , as he was feeding at the box , he saw a very dignified young woman leave the house , cross the _ patio _ in his direction , and come to a stop immediately outside the fence . Though the feed-box always held his interest above all other things , and though it was strongly attracting him now , he nevertheless could not resist the attention with which this young woman regarded him . He returned her gaze steadily , wondering who she was and what she meant to do . He soon found out , for presently she set out along the fence and came to a stop directly in front of him .