noon
We love you too much , Grace , to flatter you and follow you , as most of them do . I tell you , and you may take it as simple truth , for it is nothing else , that which you think strength is simply weakness , -- lamentable weakness . And as for your influence on the other girls -- just listen a moment ! '' Taking up a little book from the table , she opened it -- indeed it seemed to open of its own accord at the place -- and read : '' ` Little thinks , in the field , yon red-cloaked clown Of thee from the hill-top looking down ; The heifer that lows in the upland farm , Far-heard , lows not thine ear to charm ; The sexton , tolling his bell at noon , Deems not that great Napoleon Stops his horse , and lists with delight , Whilst his files sweep round yon Alpine height ; Nor knowest thou what argument Thy life to thy neighbour 's creed hath lent . All are needed by each one ; Nothing is fair or good alone . ' '' There was silence when she finished reading . Then -- `` What is that ? ''