noon
`` Whew ! '' exclaimed the latter , rubbing his hands , `` this seems a little wintry , does n't it ? Looks like a storm , too ! '' `` Yes , '' said Morgan , glancing up , `` we 'll probably have a snow-storm before noon . '' `` How do you pleasure seekers intend to spend the day ? '' inquired Houston , addressing Miss Gladden and Rutherford . `` I think I shall spend it beside the fire , '' replied Miss Gladden , shivering slightly , and sitting down for a moment beside the little box stove , where a wood fire was crackling and spluttering ; `` I have n't quite decided what to do , because I did n't come out here prepared for snow-storms . ''