noon
An ' the Proudfits 'll be here , noon train . '' Delia indeed had come on the same glorified train that Abel and I had seen stop at the draw , only she had alighted at Friendship station and had hurried up to the Proudfits ' to make ready for their home-coming . And since those whom we know best never come to Friendship without a welcome , it was instantly incumbent on us all to be what Calliope called `` up in arms an ' flyin ' round . '' As soon as we were alone : -- `` I 've planned noon lunch for 'em , '' Calliope told me ; `` I 'm goin ' to see to the meat -- leg o ' lamb , sissin ' hot , an ' a big bowl o ' mint . Mis ' Holcomb 's got to freeze a freezer o ' her lemon ice -- she gets it smooth as a mud pie . Mis ' Toplady , she 'll come in on the baked stuff -- raised rolls an ' a big devil 's food . An ' -- I 'd kind o ' meant to look to you for the salad , but I s ` pose you wo n't want to bother now ... '' And when I had hastened to assume the salad , `` Well , I _ am _ glad , '' she owned , with a relieved sigh .